21 And Abner H74 said H559 to him, Turn thee aside H5186 to thy right hand H3225 or to thy left, H8040 and lay thee hold H270 on one H259 of the young men, H5288 and take H3947 thee his armour. H2488 But Asahel H6214 would H14 not turn aside H5493 from following H310 of him.
And the Spirit H7307 of the LORD H3068 came H6743 upon him, and he went down H3381 to Ashkelon, H831 and slew H5221 thirty H7970 men H376 of them, and took H3947 their spoil, H2488 and gave H5414 change H2487 of garments unto them which expounded H5046 the riddle. H2420 And his anger H639 was kindled, H2734 and he went up H5927 to his father's H1 house. H1004
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 2 Samuel 2
Commentary on 2 Samuel 2 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 2
David had paid due respect to the memory of Saul his prince and Jonathan his friend, and what he did was as much his praise as theirs; he is now considering what is to be done next. Saul is dead, now therefore David arise.
2Sa 2:1-7
When Saul and Jonathan were dead, though David knew himself anointed to be king, and now saw his way very clear, yet he did not immediately send messengers through all the coasts of Israel to summon all people to come in and swear allegiance to him, upon pain of death, but proceeded leisurely; for he that believeth doth not make haste, but waits God's time for the accomplishment of God's promises. Many had come in to his assistance from several tribes while he continued at Ziklag, as we find (1 Chr. 12:1-22), and with such a force he might have come in by conquest. But he that will rule with meekness will not rise with violence. Observe here,
2Sa 2:8-17
Here is,
2Sa 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 (v. 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,
2Sa 2:25-32
Here,