17. Then a furious battle broke out, and Abner and the Israelites were defeated by David's men.
18. The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel, who could run as fast as a wild deer,
19. started chasing Abner, running straight for him.
20. Abner looked back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?”“Yes,” he answered.
21. “Stop chasing me!” Abner said. “Run after one of the soldiers and take what he has.” But Asahel kept on chasing him.
22. Once more Abner said to him, “Stop chasing me! Why force me to kill you? How could I face your brother Joab?”