Daily Devotional

“Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab and Abishai and Asahel. And Asahel was as fleet of foot as a wild gazelle” (2 Samuel 2:18). 

The gazelle is a species of antelope found mostly in the deserts, grasslands, and savannas of Africa, as well as in southwest and central Asia. They are rather small, standing two to three or more feet high at the shoulder—but don’t let their size fool you. These little creatures are fast. The gazelle’s African name dangelo means “swift deer.” Some have been clocked at sixty miles per hour in bursts, and they can run at a sustained speed of thirty miles per hour. 

The graceful gazelle was found all over Palestine and was admired by Bible writers. The small animal was not only hunted for food for Solomon’s table, but the wise king also used the creature as a symbol for beauty in the Song of Solomon. A few Bible characters were named after the gazelle, including Zibiah (the mother of King Joash) and Dorcas. 

Asahel, the brother of Joab and the son of David’s sister Zeruiah, was described as being “fleet of foot as a wild gazelle.” After David was anointed king, Judah and Israel were at war. In one battle, Asahel took off after Abner, general of the armies of Israel. As Asahel chased the leader, Abner twice called over his shoulder and warned him to “turn aside” (2 Samuel 2:21). When the swift runner refused, Abner turned around and killed him with the blunt end of his spear. Later, Joab avenged his brother’s death by killing Abner. 

Solomon’s reflections on life and death describe this sad story. He explained, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong” (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Yet there is a speed that the Scriptures admire. Paul wrote, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). 

Dear Jesus, may my feet move quickly, not toward evil, but in spreading Your message of hope to the world.