2 samuel 2:23 - However he refused to turn away. Therefore Abner with the back end of the spear struck him in the body, so that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place. As many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.
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What does "2 samuel 2:23" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 2:23 is a pivotal point in the escalating conflict between the houses of Saul and David. Let's break it down:
"However he refused to turn away." This refers to Asahel continuing to pursue Abner despite Abner's warnings. Abner knew that killing Asahel would ignite a blood feud with Joab, Asahel's brother, and create even more problems. He repeatedly told Asahel to stop chasing him and target another soldier, but Asahel was determined to capture Abner.
"Therefore Abner with the back end of the spear struck him in the body..." Abner, trying to avoid killing Asahel but also defend himself, likely turned around and used the blunt end of his spear to strike Asahel. However, the force was so great, and potentially because the spear may have had a spike at its butt, that it proved fatal.
"...so that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place." This describes the severity of the blow. It implies that the strike was powerful enough to pierce through Asahel's body completely. This detail emphasizes the finality of Asahel's death.
"As many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still." This is a crucial detail. It highlights the impact of Asahel's death on the other soldiers. It's a moment of shock, fear, and perhaps even contemplation of the consequences of their conflict. The violence halts, even if just for a moment. It shows that the death of Asahel has made some hesitate and reconsider what they are doing, at least temporarily. They are likely stunned by the brutality and suddenness of Asahel's death.
In summary, the verse means:
Asahel persistently chased after Abner, ignoring Abner's warnings. Abner, desperate to defend himself but knowing the consequences of killing Asahel, struck him with such force that he died instantly. The death had a profound impact, causing other soldiers to pause and reflect.
Significance:
Escalation of Violence: This verse marks a crucial escalation of the conflict. Asahel's death sets the stage for a long and bloody civil war between the houses of Saul and David.
Abner's Dilemma: The verse reveals Abner's dilemma. He tried to avoid killing Asahel, but was ultimately forced to do so in self-defense. This action will have lasting consequences for him.
Impact of Loss: The reaction of the other soldiers shows the human cost of the conflict. The death of a single soldier has a ripple effect, causing others to pause and consider the consequences of their actions.
Joab's Vengeance: Most importantly, Asahel's death at Abner's hand sets up the future drama of Joab's seeking vengeance, an event that profoundly shapes the reign of David.
The verse is a powerful and concise depiction of violence, its consequences, and the complex motivations of the individuals involved. It's a crucial turning point in the narrative of 2 Samuel.
2 samuel 2:23 - However he refused to turn away. Therefore Abner with the back end of the spear struck him in the body, so that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place. As many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.
What does "2 samuel 2:23" mean?
This verse from 2 Samuel 2:23 is a pivotal point in the escalating conflict between the houses of Saul and David. Let's break it down:
"However he refused to turn away." This refers to Asahel continuing to pursue Abner despite Abner's warnings. Abner knew that killing Asahel would ignite a blood feud with Joab, Asahel's brother, and create even more problems. He repeatedly told Asahel to stop chasing him and target another soldier, but Asahel was determined to capture Abner.
"Therefore Abner with the back end of the spear struck him in the body..." Abner, trying to avoid killing Asahel but also defend himself, likely turned around and used the blunt end of his spear to strike Asahel. However, the force was so great, and potentially because the spear may have had a spike at its butt, that it proved fatal.
"...so that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place." This describes the severity of the blow. It implies that the strike was powerful enough to pierce through Asahel's body completely. This detail emphasizes the finality of Asahel's death.
"As many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still." This is a crucial detail. It highlights the impact of Asahel's death on the other soldiers. It's a moment of shock, fear, and perhaps even contemplation of the consequences of their conflict. The violence halts, even if just for a moment. It shows that the death of Asahel has made some hesitate and reconsider what they are doing, at least temporarily. They are likely stunned by the brutality and suddenness of Asahel's death.
In summary, the verse means:
Asahel persistently chased after Abner, ignoring Abner's warnings. Abner, desperate to defend himself but knowing the consequences of killing Asahel, struck him with such force that he died instantly. The death had a profound impact, causing other soldiers to pause and reflect.
Significance:
Escalation of Violence: This verse marks a crucial escalation of the conflict. Asahel's death sets the stage for a long and bloody civil war between the houses of Saul and David.
Abner's Dilemma: The verse reveals Abner's dilemma. He tried to avoid killing Asahel, but was ultimately forced to do so in self-defense. This action will have lasting consequences for him.
Impact of Loss: The reaction of the other soldiers shows the human cost of the conflict. The death of a single soldier has a ripple effect, causing others to pause and consider the consequences of their actions.
Joab's Vengeance: Most importantly, Asahel's death at Abner's hand sets up the future drama of Joab's seeking vengeance, an event that profoundly shapes the reign of David.
The verse is a powerful and concise depiction of violence, its consequences, and the complex motivations of the individuals involved. It's a crucial turning point in the narrative of 2 Samuel.