There are generally two interpretations for Abner’s words. Some understand that he was encouraging Asahel to put on armour before he came to engage Abner in battle. This would have levelled the playing field and gave Asahel a chance in combat.1 It is more likely, however, that Abner was simply encouraging Asahel to fight against someone else instead of chasing after him. Abner expected to win a fight with Asahel and so he encouraged him to pursue a less deadly opponent.2
21 Abner said to him, “Turn aside to your right hand or to your left, and seize one of the young men and take his spoil.” But Asahel would not turn aside from following him.