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.
But he refused to turn away. So Abner struck him in the stomach with the back end of his spear, and the spear went all the way through him. Asahel fell down and died right there. Everyone who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died stopped and stood still.
This verse describes the tragic death of Asahel, who was killed by Abner during a pursuit because he wouldn't stop chasing him despite warnings.
📚 Historical Context
This occurred during the civil war between David's forces and those loyal to Saul's son Ish-bosheth. Asahel, David's nephew and brother to Joab, was pursuing Abner (Saul's former military commander) after a battle. Abner had repeatedly warned the young, swift Asahel to stop chasing him, knowing he would have to kill him if cornered.
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