And a severe battle began. Abner and the men of Israel were beaten. The sons of Zeruiah – Joab, Abishai, and Asahel – pursued the swift Abner and didn’t turn to the right or to the left from following him. Abner warned them to give up, but Asahel refused. After repeated attempts by Abner to persuade him to give up, Abner struck him in the body with his spear, so that the spear came out behind him. Asahel fell down and died.But Joab and Abishai pursued Abner, and at the hill of Ammah, the Benjaminites gathered around Abner to protect him. Abner called to both of them, “Shall the sword devour forever? Don’t you know that it will only end in bitterness? Both brothers gave up their pursuit. And Joab blew the trumpet and the people stood still and fought no more.