23But he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died where he was. And all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still.
Abner acted in reluctant self-defence.1 The fact that he struck Asahel with the butt (blunt end) of his spear suggests that it was not his intention to strike a killing blow. The death of Asahel was due to his reckless speed in pursuit.2
23 But he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear, so that the spear came out at his back. And he fell there and died where he was. And all who came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died, stood still.