{Abner didn’t want to hurt Asahel.} So Abner said to Asahel, “Stop chasing me—go after one of the young soldiers. You could easily take his armor [13] for yourself.” But Asahel refused to stop chasing Abner.
When Abner arrived at Hebron, Joab took him to one side in the middle of the gateway to talk with him in private. And then Joab stabbed Abner in the stomach, and Abner died. Abner had killed Joab’s brother Asahel. So now Joab killed Abner.
Josiah did the things that the Lord said were right. Josiah followed God like his ancestor [268] David. Josiah obeyed God’s teachings—he did exactly what God wanted.
But you must also be strong and brave about another thing. You must be sure to obey the commands my servant Moses gave you. If you follow his teachings exactly, then you will be successful in everything you do.
“You must be careful to obey all the things the Lord has commanded us. Obey everything that is written in the Book of the Law [73] of Moses. Don’t turn away from that law.