Abishai

Abishai, the son of Zeruiah and nephew of David, was a loyal commander and one of David's mighty men, known for his bravery and military prowess.

Abishai was the son of Zeruiah, King David's sister, making him David's nephew (1Ch 2:16). He was the brother of Joab and Asahel, two other prominent figures in David's military ranks (2Sa 2:18). Abishai was one of David's mighty men and a trusted commander in his army.

During David's flight from King Saul, Abishai accompanied him and showed his loyalty by offering to kill Saul when they found him sleeping in the camp (1Sa 26:6-9). However, David refused to allow Abishai to harm the Lord's anointed (1Sa 26:9-11).

Abishai played a significant role in many of David's military campaigns. He fought alongside Joab against Abner and the forces of Ish-bosheth (2Sa 2:24). After Abner killed Asahel, Joab and Abishai pursued him but were convinced to halt their pursuit (2Sa 2:24-28). Later, Abishai supported Joab in avenging Asahel's death by killing Abner (2Sa 3:30).

In the battle against the Ammonites, Abishai led a division of the army and helped secure victory for Israel (2Sa 10:10-14; 1Ch 19:11-15). He also accompanied David during the rebellion of Absalom and was one of the three commanders of David's forces (2Sa.18.2,5,12).

Abishai intervened to save David's life when a giant named Ishbi-benob threatened to kill the king (2Sa 21:17). He was also known for his bravery and military exploits, being credited with killing three hundred men with his spear (2Sa 23:18; 1Ch 11:20).

Throughout David's reign, Abishai remained a loyal and trusted commander, playing a crucial role in maintaining David's kingdom and defending Israel against its enemies.

Father of (i.e., “desirous of”) a gift, the eldest son of Zeruiah, David’s sister. He was the brother of Joab and Asahel (2 Sam. 2:18; 1 Chr. 2:16). Abishai was the only one who accompanied David when he went to the camp of Saul and took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster (1 Sam. 26:5-12). He had the command of one of the three divisions of David’s army at the battle with Absalom (2 Sam. 18:2, 5, 12). He slew the Philistine giant Ishbi-benob, who threatened David’s life (2 Sam. 21:15-17). He was the chief of the second rank of the three “mighties” (2 Sam. 23:18, 19; 1 Chr. 11:20, 21); and on one occasion withstood 300 men, and slew them with his own spear (2 Sam. 23:18). Abishai is the name of the Semitic chief who offers gifts to the lord of Beni-Hassan. See illustration facing page 10.