In Deuteronomy, a refusal to turn to the right or the left denotes Israel’s determination to obey God’s commandments (Deuteronomy 5:32; Deuteronomy 17:20; and Deuteronomy 28:14). In this case it confirms Asahel’s determination to catch Abner.1 He knew that the death of Abner was likely to bring about the end of Ish-Bosheth’s rule.2
19 And Asahel pursued Abner, and as he went, he turned neither to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.