2 Samuel 2:23 (BSB)

But Asahel refused to turn away. So Abner thrust the butt of his spear into his stomach, and it came out his back, and he fell dead on the spot. And every man paused when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died.

From 2 Samuel 2. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:23

  • Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on 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 (Sa2 2:18); this he got the name of by swift pursuing, not swift flying.
  • John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on 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...
  • Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on 2 Samuel 2:23: Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth [rib], that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, [that] as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.
  • Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on 2 Samuel 2:23: 2Sa 2:23 But when he still refused to depart in spite of this warning, Abner wounded him in the abdomen with the hinder part, i.e., the lower end of the spear, so that the spear came out behind, and Asahel fell dead upon the spot.