Why did everyone stand still when they saw Asahel slain on the battlefield?
2 Samuel 2:23 (ESV)
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.
The death of Asahel made the men realize that they were busy fighting against brothers. As a result, they lost their thirst for further battle.1 Asahel would have been long remembered in Israel. He is also listed first among the thirty, David’s military elite (2 Samuel 23:24).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.