2 samuel 2:22 - Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn away from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I look Joab your brother in the face?”
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What does "2 samuel 2:22" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 2:22 is part of a larger conflict between the houses of Saul and David. It's Abner, a powerful commander for Saul's house, speaking to Asahel, a swift runner and brother of Joab, who is David's commander. Let's break down the meaning:
"Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn away from following me." Abner is warning Asahel to stop chasing him. Asahel is pursuing Abner, likely with the intent to kill him or capture him. Abner, recognizing Asahel's speed, knows he's in danger of being overtaken.
"Why should I strike you to the ground?" Abner doesn't want to kill Asahel. This is a plea for Asahel to stop. Abner understands that killing Asahel would have significant consequences. He's trying to avoid unnecessary bloodshed.
"How then could I look Joab your brother in the face?” This is the key to understanding Abner's reluctance. Joab, Asahel's brother, is a powerful and vengeful man. Abner knows that if he kills Asahel, Joab will seek revenge. He's aware of the potential for a blood feud, which would escalate the conflict and make any hope of reconciliation impossible. Abner values his life and is unwilling to face Joab's wrath. He's acknowledging the social and familial implications of his actions.
In essence, Abner is saying:
"Asahel, stop chasing me! I don't want to kill you, but if you force me to defend myself, I will. But if I kill you, your brother Joab will come after me for revenge, and I don't want to face his wrath and start a blood feud."
This verse highlights the complexities of the conflict and the personal consequences of war. Abner's words reveal his awareness of the potential for long-lasting repercussions, and his desire to avoid them if possible. Asahel's persistence, however, tragically leads to his death in the next verse.
2 samuel 2:22 - Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn away from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I look Joab your brother in the face?”
What does "2 samuel 2:22" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 2:22 is part of a larger conflict between the houses of Saul and David. It's Abner, a powerful commander for Saul's house, speaking to Asahel, a swift runner and brother of Joab, who is David's commander. Let's break down the meaning:
"Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn away from following me." Abner is warning Asahel to stop chasing him. Asahel is pursuing Abner, likely with the intent to kill him or capture him. Abner, recognizing Asahel's speed, knows he's in danger of being overtaken.
"Why should I strike you to the ground?" Abner doesn't want to kill Asahel. This is a plea for Asahel to stop. Abner understands that killing Asahel would have significant consequences. He's trying to avoid unnecessary bloodshed.
"How then could I look Joab your brother in the face?” This is the key to understanding Abner's reluctance. Joab, Asahel's brother, is a powerful and vengeful man. Abner knows that if he kills Asahel, Joab will seek revenge. He's aware of the potential for a blood feud, which would escalate the conflict and make any hope of reconciliation impossible. Abner values his life and is unwilling to face Joab's wrath. He's acknowledging the social and familial implications of his actions.
In essence, Abner is saying:
"Asahel, stop chasing me! I don't want to kill you, but if you force me to defend myself, I will. But if I kill you, your brother Joab will come after me for revenge, and I don't want to face his wrath and start a blood feud."
This verse highlights the complexities of the conflict and the personal consequences of war. Abner's words reveal his awareness of the potential for long-lasting repercussions, and his desire to avoid them if possible. Asahel's persistence, however, tragically leads to his death in the next verse.