2 Samuel 2 23

2 Samuel 2:23 kjv

Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.

2 Samuel 2:23 nkjv

However, he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him in the stomach with the blunt end of the spear, so that the spear came out of his back; and he fell down there and died on the spot. So it was that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died, stood still.

2 Samuel 2:23 niv

But Asahel refused to give up the pursuit; so Abner thrust the butt of his spear into Asahel's stomach, and the spear came out through his back. He fell there and died on the spot. And every man stopped when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died.

2 Samuel 2:23 esv

But he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died where he was. And all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still.

2 Samuel 2:23 nlt

But Asahel refused to turn back, so Abner thrust the butt end of his spear through Asahel's stomach, and the spear came out through his back. He stumbled to the ground and died there. And everyone who came by that spot stopped and stood still when they saw Asahel lying there.

2 Samuel 2 verses

2 Samuel 2 23 Meaning

Second Samuel 2:23 describes the precise and fatal blow delivered by Abner to Asahel during the battle. Asahel, swift as a gazelle and relentless in his pursuit of Abner, refused to turn aside despite Abner's repeated warnings. In self-preservation, Abner struck Asahel with such force using what is commonly understood as the butt or back end of his spear, that the weapon passed clean through Asahel's body. Asahel instantly fell and died on the spot where he was struck. This event marks a tragic turning point, igniting a bitter blood feud that profoundly impacts the subsequent narrative and leadership struggles between the house of Saul and the house of David.

2 Samuel 2 23 Context

The events of 2 Samuel 2:23 unfold during a brutal civil war in Israel following the death of King Saul. The northern tribes, influenced by Saul's loyal commander Abner, recognized Ish-bosheth (Saul's son) as king. In contrast, the tribe of Judah had anointed David as their king in Hebron, as commanded by God. The battle described here takes place at the Pool of Gibeon, where twelve champions from each side engage in a fatal, ritualistic combat that escalates into full-scale war. Abner, a formidable and experienced warrior, finds himself pursued relentlessly by Asahel, Joab's brother, who is renowned for his swiftness of foot. Abner repeatedly warns Asahel to turn back, urging him to seek spoil from a lesser foe to avoid having to kill him, out of respect for Joab and his family. Abner is depicted as attempting to avoid the confrontation due to the blood-guilt consequences it would entail. However, Asahel's persistence, perhaps fueled by a desire for glory or unaware of Abner's formidable skill, forces Abner into a corner, leading directly to the tragic and swift fatal blow detailed in this verse. This incident immediately halted the broader conflict as all witnessed Asahel's death and respected the spot where he fell. Crucially, Asahel's death at Abner's hand provides the justification for the subsequent, deeper family vendetta orchestrated by Joab against Abner.

2 Samuel 2 23 Word analysis

• וַיַּכֵּהוּ (vayakkehu): "And he struck him." From the Hebrew verb נָכָה (nakah), meaning "to strike," "to hit," "to smite," or "to wound," often implying a powerful and destructive blow that can result in injury or death. This verb emphasizes the decisive and impactful nature of Abner's action.
• אַבְנֵר (Avner): "Abner." Abner son of Ner, Saul's cousin and commander of his army. A key figure, embodying military prowess and political influence. His actions here set in motion major events in David's ascendancy.
• בְּאַחֲרֵי הַחֲנִית (b'akharey ha-khanit): "with the back end of the spear." This is a crucial phrase. Akharey means "after," "behind," or "the end of." Khanit is "spear." Interpretations vary:
  • Butt-end/Spike: Many scholars suggest Abner used the spear's blunt end or a small spike attached to the butt, typically used for planting the spear or as a secondary weapon. This implies Abner's attempt to disable or trip Asahel without intending a fatal wound, thus avoiding blood guilt with Joab. However, due to Asahel's relentless speed and Abner's power, even such a blow proved lethal.
  • Reverse thrust: Some argue for a "backwards thrust" or a unique, less conventional spear technique, rather than using the forward-facing spearhead. This still points to an unexpected, forceful impact, perhaps from a defensive or retaliatory maneuver.The choice of the spear's "back end" emphasizes Abner's reluctant intention, not wishing to kill Asahel but forced to respond.
• אֶל־הַחֹ֙מֶשׁ֙ (el ha-khomesh): "to the stomach" or "in the fifth rib." Khomesh refers to a vital part of the lower abdomen, around the waist or below the ribcage, sometimes specifically the "fifth rib" region. This area is vulnerable and a deep penetrating wound here would almost certainly be fatal.
• וַתֵּצֵ֥א הַחֲנִ֖ית מֵאַחֲרָיו (va-tetzei ha-khanit me'akharav): "and the spear came out at his back." This vividly describes the force and penetration of the blow. The spear passed completely through Asahel's body, confirming the lethality and suddenness of the death.
• וַיִּפֹּל־שָׁ֣ם וַיָּ֫מָת עַל־הַמָּקֽוֹם (vayippol-sham vayyamat al-ha-makom): "and he fell down there and died on the spot." This final clause highlights the instantaneous nature of Asahel's death. There was no lingering struggle or prolonged suffering; life was extinguished immediately upon impact, precisely where he stood. "On the spot" emphasizes the immediate finality and gravity of the moment.

2 Samuel 2 23 Bonus section

• The battle pause at Asahel's fallen body (2 Sam 2:23) is a powerful narrative detail. It emphasizes the shock and respect the warriors held for Asahel, even among the enemy ranks, due to his prowess, and highlights the immediate impact of his death on the course of the battle itself.
• Asahel's death serves as a dramatic precursor to Joab's relentless, vengeful character. This episode lays the groundwork for understanding Joab's later actions and his uncompromising loyalty, yet also his capacity for ruthlessness and taking matters into his own hands, which often put him at odds with David's will.
• The text subtly showcases Abner's strategic mind, even in crisis. His attempt to avoid blood guilt suggests he was not merely a brute warrior but one who understood the political and social ramifications of his actions, contrasting with Asahel's headstrong pursuit.

2 Samuel 2 23 Commentary

Second Samuel 2:23 is a stark illustration of the brutal consequences of warfare, particularly personal vendettas within a larger conflict. Abner, a pragmatic and seasoned commander, attempts to avoid killing Asahel, understanding the serious repercussions of spilling a kinsman's blood—a concept deeply rooted in the legal and social structure of ancient Israel concerning "avengers of blood" (goel haddam). His repeated warnings and the strategic use of the "back end" of the spear (likely to disable or wound non-fatally) underscore his reluctant intent. However, Asahel's reckless zeal and unwavering pursuit left Abner no choice but self-preservation, and even a less-than-lethal thrust proved devastating due to its sheer force and placement.

The verse is pivotal because Asahel's sudden death creates a blood feud, fueling Joab's lifelong hatred for Abner and leading directly to Abner's later assassination (2 Sam 3:27). It highlights the cascading effects of human choices in war, transforming an attempted defensive act into an indelible grudge that stains David's path to the throne. This single blow, intended to deter, instead sealed not only Asahel's fate but profoundly influenced the destiny of Abner and David's burgeoning kingdom. It serves as a reminder that human actions, even those performed under duress, can have far-reaching and tragic consequences, often fulfilling unforeseen divine purposes in the greater narrative of God's sovereign plan.