12. Abner, Ner’s son, along with the soldiers of Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, left Mahanaim to go to Gibeon.
13. Joab, Zeruiah’s son, and David’s soldiers also came out and confronted them at the pool of Gibeon. One group sat on one side of the pool; the other sat on the opposite side of the pool.
14. Abner said to Joab, "Let’s have the young men fight in a contest before us.""All right," Joab said, "let’s do it."
15. So the men came forward and were counted as they passed by: twelve for Benjamin and Ishbosheth, Saul’s son; and twelve of David’s soldiers.
16. Each man grabbed his opponent by the head and stuck his sword into his opponent’s side so that they both fell dead together. That’s why that place is called The Field of Daggers, which is located in Gibeon.
17. A fierce battle took place that day, and Abner and the Israelite troops were defeated by David’s soldiers.
18. Now Zeruiah’s three sons were present at the battle: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was as fast as a gazelle in an open field.
19. Asahel went after Abner, staying completely focused in his pursuit of Abner.
20. Abner looked behind him and said, "Is that you, Asahel?""Yes, it’s me," Asahel answered.
21. "Break off your pursuit!" Abner told him. "Fight one of the young warriors and take his gear for yourself!" But Asahel wouldn’t stop chasing him.