17. And there was a very fierce battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
18. And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe.
19. And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going he turned not to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.
20. Then Abner looked behind him, and said, Are you Asahel? And he answered, I am.
21. And Abner said to him, Turn you aside to your right hand or to your left, and lay you hold on one of the young men, and take you his armor. But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.
22. And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn you aside from following me: why should I strike you to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab your brother?