2 Samuel 2:23 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:18-24

We have here the contest between Abner and Asahel. Asahel, the brother of Joab and cousin-german to David, was one of the principal commanders of David's forces, and was famous for swiftness in running: he was as light of foot as a wild roe (2 Sam. 2:18); this he got the name of by swift pursuing, not swift flying. Yet, we may suppose, he was not comparable to Abner as a skilful experienced soldier; we must therefore observe, I. How rash he was in aiming to make Abner his prisoner. He pursued... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:23

Howbeit, he refused to turn aside ,.... Determined on making him his captive if possible. Wherefore Abner, with the hinder end of the spear ; he had in his hand, which seems to have had a pike at both ends; so that with the hinder end of it, next to Asahel, he thrust it at him, without turning to him: and smote him under the fifth rib ; the place where hang the gall and liver, as the Jewish commentators from their Talmud F9 T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 49. 1. observe. There are... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:23

The fifth rib . This rendering here and in other places arises from the derivation of the word from the numeral five, but this notion has long been abandoned, and the word is now known to be formed from a verb signifying "to be fat or stout." Really it means the abdomen, and is so translated in the LXX . and Vulgate, while the Syriac gives only the general sense, and renders "the breast." In the same place; Hebrew, under him; that is, immediately. So violent was the blow that... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 2:23

With the hinder end ... - i. e. the wooden end, which was more or less pointed to enable the owner to stick it in the ground 1 Samuel 26:7.The fifth rib - The word so rendered here (and in marginal references) means the abdomen, and is not etymologically connected with the Hebrew for five, as the translation “fifth rib” supposes, but with a verb meaning to be fat, or strong. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 2:23

2 Samuel 2:23. He fell down there and died So Asahel’s swiftness, which he presumed on so much, only forwarded his fate: with it he ran upon his death, instead of running from it. As many as came to the place stood still Ceased from the pursuit; fearing, perhaps, the same fate if they followed further; or staying out of respect to Asahel, that his body might not be exposed to any indignity. 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 2:23

stood still : i. e, with horror at the sight. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 2:12-32

5. The conflict between Abner and Joab 2:12-32Travelers can visit the pool of Gibeon today. It lies about three miles northwest of Gibeah."The pool is a cylindrical shaft thirty-seven feet in diameter and thirty-five feet deep. Its five-feet-wide spiral stairway, which winds downward around the inside wall of the pool in a clockwise direction, continues below the floor level to an additional depth of forty-five feet." [Note: Youngblood, p. 825.] There the forces of Ish-bosheth and David met for... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:18-24

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:23

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:18-23

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:18-32

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:23

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 2:23

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 2:23

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 2:1-32

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 2:23

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Samuel 2:12-32

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