Book of 2 Samuel - Chapter 2 - Verse 22

The verse "And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?" from 2 Samuel 2:22 is a poignant moment in the Bible where Abner, the commander of Saul's army, pleads with Asahel, Joab's brother, to stop pursuing him during a heated battle. In this verse, Abner shows compassion and tries to prevent unnecessary bloodshed by warning Asahel to turn away and not force him to harm him. Abner's concern for facing Joab, Asahel's brother, after potentially injuring or killing Asahel reflects his sense of honor and desire to avoid further conflict. This verse demonstrates the complexities of human emotions and relationships, even in the midst of intense warfare. It serves as a reminder that sometimes restraint and empathy can prevent tragedy and preserve dignity in the face of conflict.

Abner's words to Asahel in this verse reveal a complex web of relationships and honor codes in ancient Israelite society. The phrase "Turn thee aside from following me" indicates Abner's desire to avoid unnecessary bloodshed and conflict, even in the midst of battle. By questioning why he should harm Asahel, Abner highlights the moral considerations and personal consequences of violence. The statement "how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?" reflects the importance of familial loyalty and reputation within the Israelite community. Abner's concern for how his actions will be perceived by Joab, Asahel's brother, speaks to the interconnectedness of social relationships and the potential for consequences beyond individual actions. This verse not only portrays the physical dangers of battle but also delves into the theological implications of human behavior and moral decision-making in the context of warfare.