16. Each of the men grabbed his opponent’s head and stabbed him in the side with his sword, and then they fell down together. That is why this place in Gibeon is called “The Field of the Sharp Knives.”
17. That contest turned into a terrible battle and David’s officers defeated Abner and the Israelites that day.
18. Zeruiah had three sons, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was a fast runner, as fast as a wild deer.
19. Asahel ran straight toward Abner and began chasing him.
20. Abner looked back and asked, “Is that you, Asahel?” Asahel said, “Yes, it’s me.”
21. Abner didn’t want to hurt Asahel, so he said to Asahel, “Stop chasing me—go after one of the young soldiers. You could easily take his armor for yourself.” But Asahel refused to stop chasing Abner.
22. Abner again said to Asahel, “Stop chasing me, or I will have to kill you. Then I will not be able to look your brother Joab in the face again.”