2 Samuel 2:18
2 Samuel 2:18 in Multiple Translations
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,
¶ And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
There were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel: and Asahel was as quick-footed as a roe of the fields.
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was a fast runner, like a gazelle racing across the open countryside.
And there were three sonnes of Zeruiah there, Ioab, and Abishai, and Asahel. And Asahel was as light on foote as a wilde roe.
And there are there three sons of Zeruiah, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel, and Asahel [is] light on his feet, as one of the roes which [are] in the field,
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle.
And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
And there were the three sons of Sarvia there, Joab, and Abisai, and Asael: now Asael was a most swift runner, like one of the roes that abide in the woods.
Zeruiah’s three sons were there on that day: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was able to run very fast; he could run as fast as a wild gazelle/antelope.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 2:18
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2 Samuel 2:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 2:18
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 2:18
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 2:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:18
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:18
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:18
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:18
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:18
Context — The Battle of Gibeon
18The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,
19and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. 20And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 12:8 | Some Gadites defected to David at his stronghold in the desert. They were mighty men of valor, trained for battle, experts with the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions and who were as swift as gazelles on the mountains: |
| 2 | Habakkuk 3:19 | GOD the Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk upon the heights! For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments. |
| 3 | Song of Solomon 8:14 | Come away, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices. |
| 4 | Song of Solomon 2:17 | Before the day breaks and shadows flee, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of Bether. |
| 5 | Psalms 18:33 | He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights. |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 9:11 | I saw something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; neither is the bread to the wise, nor the wealth to the intelligent, nor the favor to the skillful. For time and chance happen to all. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 26:6 | And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai. |
| 8 | Psalms 147:10–11 | He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legpower of the man. The LORD is pleased with those who fear Him, who hope in His loving devotion. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 2:15–16 | Ozem sixth, and David seventh. Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel. |
| 10 | Amos 2:14 | Escape will fail the swift, the strong will not prevail by his strength, and the mighty will not save his life. |
2 Samuel 2:18 Summary
This verse tells us about three brothers, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, who were part of King David's army. Asahel was very fast, like a wild gazelle, which helped him in battle. We can learn from Asahel's example by using our own unique gifts and abilities to serve others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 and Romans 12:6-8. Just as Asahel's speed was important in his pursuit of Abner, our own strengths and talents can be used to pursue God's purposes and plans, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11 and Ephesians 2:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the three sons of Zeruiah mentioned in this verse?
The three sons of Zeruiah were Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, who were prominent figures in King David's army, as seen in 2 Samuel 2:18 and 1 Chronicles 11:6.
What does it mean that Asahel was 'fleet of foot like a wild gazelle'?
This phrase suggests that Asahel was exceptionally fast and agile, much like the swift and nimble wild gazelle, which is also mentioned in Song of Solomon 2:9 and 8:14 as a symbol of speed and gentleness.
Why is Asahel's speed important in this context?
Asahel's speed is significant because it allowed him to chase after Abner, as described in 2 Samuel 2:19, and it also highlights his bravery and determination in battle, as seen in other accounts of his military exploits.
What can we learn from the introduction of the sons of Zeruiah in this verse?
The introduction of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel in 2 Samuel 2:18 reminds us of the importance of family and loyalty, as seen in the story of David and his loyal followers, such as in 1 Samuel 23:16 and 30:1-31.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, like Asahel, use my unique gifts and abilities to serve God and others?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate loyalty and dedication to my family and community, just as the sons of Zeruiah did for King David?
- In what ways can I balance speed and agility with wisdom and discernment, as Asahel's story may illustrate the importance of both?
- How can I, like the sons of Zeruiah, be brave and courageous in the face of challenges and uncertainties, as encouraged in Psalm 27:1 and Joshua 1:9?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 2:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 2:18
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:18
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 2:18
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 2:18
Sermons on 2 Samuel 2:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(2 Samuel) More Anointing, More War by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the need for Christians to have a mature understanding of the spiritual battle they face. He uses the example of a young man in military tra |
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Bible Survey - 1 & 2 Chronicles by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the importance of understanding the times and knowing what God's people ought to do, drawing insights from the Books of Chronicles compiled by Ezra. Chron |
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(Through the Bible) Habakkuk by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker expresses sadness over the careless behavior of people who litter and leave debris on the ground. He reflects on the corruption that man has brought upo |
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Surefootedness by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the strength and surefootedness that God provides to His people, as illustrated in Habakkuk 3:19. He explains that faith in God's promises allows believers |
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The Conquest of Canaan (Joh. Xiii: 1) by Seth Rees | Seth Rees preaches about the importance of fully possessing the land of our Christian inheritance, drawing parallels to the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. He emphasi |
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The Lord Is My Strength by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the strength that the Lord provides in various aspects of our lives. He emphasizes that this strength is continuous and comes from the Spirit, enab |
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Do Not Faint by Mack Tomlinson | This sermon focuses on the theme of spiritual weariness and fainting, drawing from Isaiah 40:28-31. It emphasizes the reality of weariness in the Christian life, the various challe |







