Asahel, a notable figure in the Old Testament, is recognized as one of the valiant warriors in King David's army. He was the son of Zeruiah, David's sister, making him David's nephew. Asahel's brothers, Joab and Abishai, were also prominent military leaders under David, forming a trio of influential siblings in the biblical narrative.

Biblical References:

1. Family and Background:
Asahel is introduced in the context of his family lineage. As the son of Zeruiah, he is part of a family deeply involved in the military and political affairs of David's reign. His brothers, Joab and Abishai, are frequently mentioned alongside him, highlighting the family's significant role in David's military campaigns.

2. Speed and Agility:
Asahel is particularly noted for his swiftness and agility. In 2 Samuel 2:18, the Berean Standard Bible describes him as "as fleet-footed as a wild gazelle." This characteristic is not merely a physical description but also serves to underscore his prowess and capability as a warrior.

3. Pursuit of Abner:
Asahel's most notable biblical account involves his pursuit of Abner, the commander of Saul's army. During a battle at Gibeon, Asahel relentlessly chased Abner, demonstrating both his courage and determination. Despite Abner's warnings to turn aside, Asahel's persistence led to his demise. In 2 Samuel 2:23, the BSB recounts, "But Asahel refused to turn aside; so Abner struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear, and the spear came out through his back. He fell there and died on the spot."

4. Aftermath and Legacy:
Asahel's death had significant repercussions. It intensified the conflict between the house of David and the house of Saul, as his brothers, Joab and Abishai, sought to avenge his death. This event is a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for power and the eventual establishment of David's kingship over all Israel.

5. Burial and Honor:
Asahel was buried in his father's tomb in Bethlehem, as noted in 2 Samuel 2:32. His burial in Bethlehem, the city of David, signifies the honor and respect accorded to him despite his untimely death. Asahel's bravery and loyalty to David's cause are remembered as part of his enduring legacy.

Theological Significance:

Asahel's account is a testament to the themes of loyalty, bravery, and the tragic costs of war. His unwavering dedication to David's cause, even at the cost of his life, exemplifies the virtues of commitment and courage. Asahel's narrative also serves as a reminder of the personal and familial sacrifices often involved in the pursuit of divine purposes and the establishment of God's chosen leaders.

In the broader biblical context, Asahel's life and death highlight the complexities of human relationships and the intertwining of personal ambitions with divine plans. His account is a poignant illustration of the human element within the unfolding of God's redemptive history through the lineage of David.

A Caution to the Presumptuous
... I wish all Little-Faiths were Strong-Faiths, that all Fearings were made
Valiants-for-Truth, and the Ready-to-Halts Asahel's Nimble-of-Foot, that they might ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/a caution to the presumptuous.htm

Asahel's (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Asahel's (2 Occurrences). ... 2 Samuel 2:32 And they took Asahel's
body and put it in the last resting-place of his father in Beth-lehem. ...
/a/asahel's.htm - 7k

Joab (128 Occurrences)
... His two brothers were Abishai and Asahel, the swift of foot, who was killed by Abner
(2 Samuel 2:13-32), whom Joab afterwards treacherously murdered (3:22-27). ...
/j/joab.htm - 53k

Travelling (17 Occurrences)
... there. (BBE). 2 Samuel 2:32 And they took Asahel's body and put it in the
last resting-place of his father in Beth-lehem. And Joab ...
/t/travelling.htm - 11k

Dawned (8 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). 2 Samuel 2:32 And they took Asahel's body and put it
in the last resting-place of his father in Beth-lehem. And ...
/d/dawned.htm - 8k

Asahiah (2 Occurrences)

/a/asahiah.htm - 7k

Asah-el (1 Occurrence)
Asah-el. As'ahel, Asah-el. Asahel's . Multi-Version Concordance Asah-el (1
Occurrence). ... (YLT). As'ahel, Asah-el. Asahel's . Reference Bible.
/a/asah-el.htm - 6k

Dawn (70 Occurrences)
... came. (BBE). 2 Samuel 2:32 And they took Asahel's body and put it in the
last resting-place of his father in Beth-lehem. And Joab ...
/d/dawn.htm - 28k

Resting-place (211 Occurrences)
... place. (BBE). 2 Samuel 2:32 And they took Asahel's body and put it in the
last resting-place of his father in Beth-lehem. And Joab ...
/r/resting-place.htm - 39k

What is the story of Abner and Joab? | GotQuestions.org

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