2 Samuel 2:18-23

Common English Bible

¹⁸ Now Zeruiah’s three sons were present at the battle: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as fast as a gazelle in an open field. ¹⁹ Asahel went after Abner, staying completely focused in his pursuit of Abner.

²⁰ Abner looked behind him and said, “Is that you, Asahel?”

“Yes, it’s me,” Asahel answered.

²¹ “Break off your pursuit!” Abner told him. “Fight one of the young warriors and take his gear for yourself!” But Asahel wouldn’t stop chasing him.

²² So Abner repeated himself to Asahel: “Stop chasing me. Why should I kill you? How could I look your brother Joab in the face?” ²³ But Asahel wouldn’t turn back, so Abner hit him in the stomach with the back end of his spear. But the spear went through Asahel’s back. He fell down and died right there.

Everyone who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died just stood there,