2 Samuel 2:16-18 NVIPT

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:17

A very sore battle. The purpose of Abner was thus gained. Excited by the spectacle of merciless slaughter, the armies manoeuvred no longer, but rushed fiercely to the attack, and fought with fury. But the mighty men of David were irresistible. Only nineteen of his warriors fell, while Abner lost three hundred and sixty, and was forced to flee. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:18-23

( GIBEON .) The untimely fate of Asohel: to young men. Asahel was the youngest of three brothers; the others being Joab and Abishai. They were the sons of Zeruiah (half-sister of David) and a Bethlehemite ( 2 Samuel 2:32 ) whose name has not been recorded; and they had much in common. When Asahel fled to David at the cave of Adullam (some ten or twelve years before the events here mentioned) he was probably a mere lad; he shared his uncle's hardships and participated in his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:18-32

The facts are: 1 . Asahel, a younger brother of Joab, taking part in the pursuit, fixes his eye on Abner, and keeps on his track, and, being swift of foot, soon overtakes him. 2 . Abner, conscious of superiority in arms, and remembering the high family connections of the rash youth, chivalrously urges Asahel to try his prowess on some one else. 3 . The counsel being proudly disdained, Asahel falls under the spear of Abner. 4 . At the close of the day the scattered men of Israel... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 2:16

Compare Livy’s history of the battle between the Horatii and Curiatii. This combat, like that, may have been proposed as a means of avoiding the effusion of blood of two nations united by consanguinity, and having a common powerful enemy in the Philistines.Helkath-hazzurim - i. e. “the part, field, or plat Genesis 23:19 of the sharp edges or blades.” This seems, on the whole, the best explanation of this rather obscure name. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 2:17

Neither side had the advantage in the combat of twelve a side; hence, the quarrel was fought out with great fierceness by the two armies, and the victory was won by David. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 2:15-17

2 Samuel 2:15-17. There went over twelve of Benjamin Ish-bosheth’s men were still most forward to begin hostilities. They caught, &c. That is, each of the servants of David last mentioned, or every one of both sides caught the man that was his opposite; by the head That is, by the hair of the head, which they wore very long in those days. And thrust his sword into his fellow’s side Killed his opponent. So they fell down together Either all the twelve men of Benjamin, slain by... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 2:18-19

2 Samuel 2:18-19. Three sons of Zeruiah She was David’s sister, and therefore these were his nephews. Asahel was light of foot as a wild roe He was a gallant man, and one of David’s twelve captains, remarkably valiant, but more remarkably swift. Asahel pursued after Abner Being desirous of the glory, either of taking or killing the greatest man in Israel. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:1-32

Two kings in Israel (2:1-3:1)The Philistines now controlled much of Israel’s territory west of Jordan (see 1 Samuel 31:7). Believing that David was still friendly to them, the Philistines allowed him to become king over Judah in the south, no doubt thinking that this would help to divide and weaken Israel further. The tribes east of Jordan, however, were still free, and David quickly tried to win their support (2:1-7). But Abner (Saul’s army commander and his cousin; see 1 Samuel 14:50) had... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 2:18

as a wild roe = as one of the gazelles which are in the field. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 2 Samuel 2:18

ABNER KILLED ASAHEL; THE BROTHER OF JOAB"And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai and Asahel. Now Asahel was as swift of foot as a wild gazelle; and Asahei pursued Abner, and as he went he turned neither to the right hand or to the left from following Abner. Then Abner looked behind him and said, "Is it you Asahel"? And he answered, "It is I" Abner said to him, "Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and seize one of the young men, and take his spoil." But Asahel would... read more