שמואל ב, פרק ב׳, פסוק כ״ב

During the intense pursuit, Abner attempts to persuade Asahel to stop chasing him, driven by a deep concern over the personal and political fallout of a fatal confrontation. He warns his pursuer that any act of self-defense will inevitably result in a deadly blow, leaving Asahel lifeless on the battlefield.

Abner’s reluctance to kill stems from two distinct fears. On a personal level, he dreads the profound shame that would follow. Taking Asahel's life would create a burden so heavy that Abner would be unable to face Asahel's brother, Joab, or ever look him in the eye again [רד״ק, מצודת דוד].

Beyond this emotional toll, a practical calculation is at play. While Abner and Joab were not friends, their shared status as army commanders bound them together in a complex professional dynamic. Abner is acutely aware of this reality and actively wishes to avoid destroying their working relationship [שטיינזלץ].