2 Samuel 2:19

19 and As'ahel pursued Abner, and as he went he turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from following 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 was very fierce that day; and Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.
18 And the three sons of Zeru'iah were there, Jo'ab, Abi'shai, and As'ahel. Now As'ahel was as swift of foot as a wild gazelle;
19 and As'ahel pursued Abner, and as he went he turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.
20 Then Abner looked behind him and said, "Is it you, As'ahel?" And he answered, "It is I."
21 Abner said to him, "Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and seize one of the young men, and take his spoil." But As'ahel would not turn aside from following him.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.