2 Samuel 2:21 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

Abner said to him, 'Turn to your right or left and grab one of the young soldiers and take his armor for yourself.' But Asahel refused to stop chasing him.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The writer is showing how Abner tried to redirect the relentless young warrior Asahel to an easier target, but Asahel was determined to pursue him specifically.

📚 Historical Context

This occurs 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 a swift runner pursuing Abner, the commander of Saul's army, after a battle. Abner was trying to avoid killing Asahel because he knew it would create a blood feud with Joab.

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