Page "Abner" Paragraph 3

The only engagement between the rival factions which is told at length is noteworthy, inasmuch as it was preceded by an encounter at Gibeon between twelve chosen men from each side, in which the whole twenty-four seem to have perished ( 2 Samuel 2: 12 ).

In the general engagement which followed, Abner was defeated and put to flight.

He was closely pursued by Asahel, brother of Joab, who is said to have been " light of foot as a wild roe " ( 2 Samuel 2: 18 ).

As Asahel would not desist from the pursuit, though warned, Abner was compelled to slay him in self-defence.

This originated a deadly feud between the leaders of the opposite parties, for Joab, as next of kin to Asahel, was by the law and custom of the country the avenger of his blood.

However, according to Josephus, in Antiquities, Book 7, Chapter 1, Joab had forgiven Abner for the death of his brother, Asahel, the reason being that Abner had slain Asahel honorably in combat after he had first warned Asahel and had no other choice but to kill him out of self defense.

This battle was part of a civil war between David and Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul.

After this battle Abner switched to the side of David and granted him control over the tribe of Benjamin.

This act put Abner in David's favor.

The real reason that Joab killed Abner was that he became a threat to his rank of general.

He then justifies it later by mentioning his brother.