שמואל ב, פרק ב׳, פסוק ל״ב

Following the conclusion of the battle, the immediate focus shifts to honoring the fallen and returning to safety. David's men take the time to properly care for their dead before hurrying back to their stronghold. They carry Asahel and ensure he receives a respectful burial [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. He is laid to rest in his father's grave, located directly inside the city of Bethlehem [מצודת ציון].

Once the burial concludes, Joab and his troops embark on a continuous march. They travel through the entire night without stopping to rest or sleep [מלבי״ם]. This strenuous nighttime journey is driven by caution. Joab fears that Abner and his men might launch a preemptive strike against him. Knowing that Joab would likely seek to avenge the blood of his fallen brother, Asahel, Abner's forces might try to eliminate Joab first to neutralize the threat [מצודת דוד].

The exhausting march comes to an end as the sun begins to rise. The primary approach among commentators is that by the time the morning light breaks on a new day, Joab and his men have already successfully reached the safety of Hebron, which serves as their military base [ביאור שטיינזלץ].