2 Samuel 2:19

19 And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from behind Abner.

2 Samuel 2:19 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 2:19

And Asahel pursued after Abner
Ambitious of the glory of taking or slaying the general of the army of Israel; trusting to his swiftness, not considering that the race is not always to the swift, and that he had to do with a veteran soldier, and he a raw young man, though valiant:

and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left in
following Abner;
he kept his eye upon him, and pursued him closely, disregarding persons on the right or left he could have made prisoners; but those he neglected, being bent on taking Abner if possible.

2 Samuel 2:19 In-Context

17 And the battle that day was very severe; and Abner and the men of Israel were routed before the servants of David.

18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was swift of foot, as one of the gazelles that are in the field.

19 And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from behind Abner.

20 Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Art thou Asahel? And he said, I am.

21 And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside, to thy right hand or to thy left, and lay hold of one of the young men, and take for thyself his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.