Asahel pursued Abner; and in going he didn’t turn to the right hand or to the left from following Abner.
Parallel translations
- KJV And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.
- BSB and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit.
- NKJV So Asahel pursued Abner, and in going he did not turn to the right hand or to the left from following Abner.
- NASB Asahel pursued Abner and did not turn to the right or to the left from following Abner.
- NLT and he began chasing Abner. He pursued him relentlessly, not stopping for anything.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Asahel relentlessly pursues Abner, refusing to turn aside. His single-minded chase drives toward danger.
Overview
Asahel fixes on Abner and will not deviate to right or left in his pursuit. His youthful zeal and confidence in his speed lead him toward a more experienced and deadly warrior. The determined chase sets in motion events that will bring lasting bitterness between Joab and Abner.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 5
- Prov 4:27Don’t turn to the right hand nor to the left. Remove your foot from evil.
- 2 Kgs 22:2He did that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes, and walked in all the way of David his father, and didn’t turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
- Josh 23:6“Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that you not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left;
- Josh 1:7Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.
- 2 Sam 2:21Abner said to him, “Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and grab one of the young men, and take his armor.” But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.
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Christ at the center
God's covenant with David — a son whose throne and kingdom would last forever (7:12–16) — finds its yes in Jesus, the Son of David who reigns without end.
How 2 Samuel 2:19 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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