abishai Summary and Overview

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.

ABISH'AI (father of a gift), the eldest son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and among the chief of his mighty men. 2 Sam 2:18. He accompanied David to the camp of Saul, and counselled him to take Saul's life, which David refused to do, 1 Sam 26:5-12, and was probably with David during the latter's wandering life. He was associated with Joab in the assassination of Abner. 2 Sam 3:30. The victory over the Edomites in the valley of Salt, which is ascribed to David in 2 Sam 8:13, is ascribed to Abishai in 1 Chr 18:12. Probably Abishai actually obtained the victory, but as he was an officer under David, it might also with propriety be spoken of as David's achievement. Abishai, with Joab his brother, attacked and defeated the Syrians and the children of Ammon. 2 Sam 10. David appointed him, in conjunction with Joab and Ittai, to the command of the people when they went forth to battle against Israel in the wood of Ephraim. 2 Sam 18:2. He afterward rescued David from the giant Philistine, Ishbi-benob, whom he smote and killed. 2 Sam 21:16, 2 Sam 21:17.

("father of gifts".) Nephew of David by his sister Zeruiah; brother of Joab and Asahel. Joab was more of the experienced general, Abishai the devoted champion for David. Thus, when David proposed to Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai the perilous visit to Saul's camp, Abishai instantly volunteered, reckless of personal danger. His impulsive nature needed occasional checking, in his zeal for David. We find the consistency of character maintained throughout the history; the same spirit prompting the request at Hachilah," Let me smite Saul" (1 Samuel 26:8), as subsequently at Bahurim, when Shimei cursed David, prompted his exclamation "Why should this dead dog curse my Lord the king? let me take off his head" (2 Samuel 16:9).

He commanded one third of David's army at the battle with Absalom (2 Samuel 18), and rescued David when waxing faint and in imminent peril from the giant Ishbi-benob (2 Samuel 21:15-17). In the same war probably he, as chief of the three "mighties," chivalrously broke through the Philistine host to procure water for David from the well of his native Bethlehem (2 Samuel 23:14-17). Once he withstood 300 and slew them with his spear. In 2 Samuel 8:13 the victory over the 15,000 Edomites or Syrians in the Valley of Salt is ascribed to David; in 1 Chronicles 18:12, to Abishai. Probably the commander in chief was David, but the victory actually gained by Abishai.