2 Samuel 2:22
ESV
And Abner said again to Asahel, "Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I lift up my face to your brother Joab?"
NIV
Again Abner warned Asahel, "Stop chasing me! Why should I strike you down? How could I look your brother Joab in the face?"
NASB
Then Abner repeated again to Asahel, 'Turn aside for your own good from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I show my face to your brother Joab?'
CSB
Once again, Abner warned Asahel, "Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I ever look your brother Joab in the face?"
NLT
Again Abner shouted to him, 'Get away from here! I don’t want to kill you. How could I ever face your brother Joab again?'
KJV
And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee aside from following me: wherefore should I smite thee to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab thy brother?
NKJV
So Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I face your brother Joab?”
What does 2 Samuel 2:22 mean?
Relationships in wartime are often a mix of respect and revenge. For instance, David's relationship to the Philistines in Gath: David killed Goliath of Gath (1 Samuel 17:50). Years later, David found refuge from Saul in Gath (1 Samuel 27:1–4). He deceived the king so much that he and his army were pressed into a war with Saul—which God allowed him to avoid (1 Samuel 28:1–2; 29). Later, David will conquer Gath (1 Chronicles 18:1).Abner and Joab have been on opposite sides since David's family joined him in exile (1 Samuel 22:1). That doesn't mean they don't respect each other. Abner saw Joab's older brother Abishai with David when David spared Saul's life as Abner slept next to the king (1 Samuel 26:6–16). He may not know that Abishai wanted to kill Saul in that moment and only David stopped him, but Abner knows and respects Joab and his brothers.That includes the younger brother, Asahel. Unfortunately, Asahel seems to think he can defeat Abner. Asahel is fast and a great warrior, but he can't win against a much more experienced opponent. Abner doesn't want to kill him. So he first tempts Asahel by suggesting he find a weaker soldier he take spoils from (2 Samuel 2:18–21). Now, Abner resorts to honor: how can he look Joab in the face if he kills Joab's brother?
Asahel doesn't stop. Abner is forced to kill him in self-defense. And Abner is right: Joab doesn't let it go. Two years later, on the cusp of peace, Joab will murder Abner (2 Samuel 3:26–27).
