Abishai
“Father of a gift, or my father is Jesse”
Summary
A nephew of King David and brother of Joab, who served as one of David's most devoted and formidable warriors throughout his reign.
☩Family and Character
Abishai was the son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and brother to Joab and Asahel. Though David relied more on Joab's military talents, he appears to have given more personal confidence to Abishai, who attached himself peculiarly to the king's person and was always ready for action on critical occasions. He was impetuous and courageous, though less cunning than his brother Joab, and David often had occasion to check his ardent temperament rather than follow his advice.
☩Military Exploits
Abishai first distinguished himself by volunteering to accompany David on the dangerous night expedition to Saul's camp, where he wished to slay the sleeping king but was restrained by David. He commanded divisions of David's army against the Ammonites, in the rebellion of Absalom, and against Sheba's revolt. Among his exploits, he once withstood three hundred men and slew them with his spear. He also broke through the Philistine host with others of David's mighty men to bring water from the well of Bethlehem.
☩Loyalty and Later Service
Abishai's devotion to David was unwavering. He remained with the king during his flight from Absalom and twice asked permission to kill Shimei for cursing David. Late in David's reign, when the aging king was in mortal danger from the Philistine giant Ishbi-benob, Abishai came to his rescue and killed the giant, after which David's men urged him not to risk himself in battle again. With Joab, he participated in the treacherous murder of Abner, their cousin, in revenge for their brother Asahel.
Related Verses26 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Abishai," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Abishai," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Philip Schaff and Johann Herzog (ed.), "Abishai," in The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, vol. I (Funk and Wagnalls, 1908–1914).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Abishai," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).