Asahel
“God has made”
Summary
David's nephew, renowned for his extraordinary swiftness, who was killed by Abner while pursuing him after the battle of Gibeon.
☩Identity and Abilities
Asahel was the son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and brother of Joab and Abishai. He was renowned for his extraordinary speed, being described as 'light of foot as a wild roe.' He was counted among David's 'thirty' mighty warriors and commanded a division of 24,000 men in David's rotating army.
☩Death and Consequences
After David's forces defeated Abner's army at the pool of Gibeon, Asahel pursued Abner relentlessly. Abner, recognizing the young man, warned him repeatedly to turn aside, knowing that killing David's nephew would create a blood feud with Joab. When Asahel refused, Abner struck him with the butt end of his spear, killing him. This death became the pretext for Joab's later murder of Abner.
Related Verses17 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Asahel," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Asahel," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).