Zeruiah
“Wounded or perfumed with balsam”
Summary
The sister of David and mother of three of his most famous military commanders: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel.
☩Family Relationships
Zeruiah is listed with Abigail as 'sisters of the sons of Jesse,' though they may have been half-sisters from an earlier marriage of Jesse's wife to Nahash. Zeruiah's husband is never named in Scripture, leading to the unusual practice of her sons being called 'sons of Zeruiah' rather than by their father's name. This likely indicates that she was the more remarkable personality or that her husband died early.
☩Her Sons
Zeruiah's three sons—Joab, Abishai, and Asahel—became the leading heroes of David's army. Joab served as David's commander-in-chief throughout most of his reign. Abishai was one of the chief captains and a mighty warrior. Asahel was known for his exceptional swiftness but was killed by Abner early in David's reign. David himself once complained that 'the sons of Zeruiah were too hard for him,' referring to their ruthless methods.
Related Verses25 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Zeruiah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Zeruiah," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).