2 Samuel 2:21 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Turn thee aside to thy right hand, &c.— The conduct of Abner appears heroic and amiable. He was very desirous of sparing Asahel, advising him not to engage with an old and experienced officer like himself, but to turn against one of the young men, who would be an easy conquest, and whose armour he might carry off as his spoil. Asahel, however, was not to be persuaded; and therefore Abner smote him under the fifth rib, 2 Samuel 2:23 or in the belly. See 2 Samuel 20:10. With the hinder end of the spear we render it, which does not seem to have been the case, as he rather smote him with the upper end of the spear; for the spear went through his belly and came out at his back: therefore Houbigant renders it, properly, Abner smote him in the belly, turning his spear backwards: as Abner was foremost, he turned his spear behind him, and so killed Asahel. See Scheuchzer on the place.