And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on one of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him.
My Notes
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
And Abner said unto him,.... Having a respect for him, and consulting his good, and however fearing his brother Joab should he slay him:
turn thee aside to thy right or to thy left; he does not…
Barnes' Notes
His armour - Rather, as in the margin; i. e. content thyself with the spoil of some inferior soldier for a trophy.
Adam Clarke
Take thee his armor - It seems Asahel wished to get the armor of Abner as a trophy; this also was greatly coveted by ancient heroes. Abner wished to spare him, for fear of exciting Joab's enmity; but…
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…
Cambridge Bible
take thee his armour Probably, as in Jdg 14:19, his spoil: i.e. if Asahel was desirous of spoil, he might find it elsewhere, instead of attacking a practised warrior at the risk of his life.