2 Samuel 2:18
ESV
And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was as swift of foot as a wild gazelle.
NIV
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai and Asahel. Now Asahel was as fleet-footed as a wild gazelle.
NASB
Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel; and Asahel was as swift-footed as one of the gazelles that is in the field.
CSB
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was a fast runner, like one of the wild gazelles.
NLT
Joab, Abishai, and Asahel — the three sons of Zeruiah — were among David’s forces that day. Asahel could run like a gazelle,
KJV
And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
NKJV
Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab and Abishai and Asahel. And Asahel was as fleet of foot as a wild gazelle.
What does 2 Samuel 2:18 mean?
Armies under Israel's commander Abner and Judah's commander Joab are locked in combat. Joab's two brothers, Abishai and Asahel, are there, as well. When David came upon Saul's army sleeping, it was Abishai who went with him to the center of camp where Saul and Abner lay. Abishai offered to kill Saul, but David refused. They stole Saul's spear and water jug, crept a safe distance away, and mocked Abner for not protecting his king (1 Samuel 26:6–16).This battle began by Abner suggesting just twelve men from each side fight each other. Each soldier died while killing his opponent. So the armies joined in (2 Samuel 2:14–17). In the chaos of spears, swords, and fighting bodies, Abner notices that Asahel is chasing after him. Abner tells Asahel to turn back, fight a lesser soldier, and take the spoils he can. But Asahel doesn't want spoils. He wants to kill the man who commanded Saul's troops, installed Saul's son as a puppet-king, and now controls tribes that should belong to David (2 Samuel 2:19–21).
Abner reluctantly kills Asahel. But this lack of malice means nothing to Joab (2 Samuel 2:23). The armies will continue to fight for two years. When Abner switches sides and offers to give Israel to David, Joab doesn't trust him. Abner leaves to bring the Israelite elders, but Joab calls him back and kills him (2 Samuel 3:21–27).
