ABISHAI
ABISHAI was the eldest son of David's sister Zeruiah. He was the brother of Joab and Asahel. According to Josephus (Antiquities, VII, 1, 3), his father was called Suri. The meaning of his name is "Father of a gift."
Abishai was the only one who accompanied David when he went to the camp of Saul and took the spear and water bottle from Saul as he slept.
He had the command of one of the three divisions of David's army at the battle with Absalom. He was the commander and "most honored" of the second rank of David's officers, below the three "mighty men." During one of his missions, he was said to lead an army of camels to fight against a horde of enemies. On one occasion, he withstood 300 men and slew them with his spear.
Abishai slew the Philistine giant Ishbi-benob, who threatened David's life. He once killed 300 men with his spear and helped with the killing of Absalom. Once, his brother, Asahel, who could run as fast as a gazelle, fought in battle with Abner, the general of Israel's army, and was killed by the back of his spear. Abishai, at this point, was so enraged at the murder of Asahel that he killed Abner at a later time with Joab, his brother.
Abishai at one time killed three hundred men with a spear, and he was chief of the thirty men known for their valor. Joab was the commander in chief of the army.
Abishai was noted for taking the lead in striking down 18,000 Edomites and, again, in leading in the rout of the Ammonites.
Abishai proved his loyalty to David on several occasions; the most notable one was toward the end of David’s reign when he saved his life.
ILLUSTRATION: There is a story about a crazy older woman who was known to be crazy because she would walk down the streets talking to herself. One of her best-known pastimes was talking to Jesus, and Jesus would talk back. One day a new preacher came to town and thought that perhaps he might be able to cure her of this abnormal activity. So one day, he spied her on the street and went over to talk to her:
"I hear that you often talk to Jesus?" he remarked.
"Oh yes," she replied. "Jesus and I often have long talks together."
"Would you do me a favor?" he inquired. "The next time you talk to Jesus, could you ask him what the last sin I confessed to Him was?"
She agreed, and the next day as he walked down the sidewalk, he saw her again and went to her.
"Did you ask Jesus the question?" he asked.
"Oh yes," she exclaimed. "Jesus and I talked about it for a long time."
"Oh," he said thoughtfully. "Well, what did He say my last confessed sin was?"
"He said He did not remember."
Romans 8:1 -Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Knowing that Jesus does not remember our past is a great comfort. I may remember, but Jesus does not. Let us keep that in mind.
More About Abishai
• ABISHAI ? bi’ shi; Meaning uncertain.The oldest son of Zeruiah, a sister of David, and the brother of Joab and Asahel (1 Chron 2:16; Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. Zeruiah’s three sons were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel.).
• Abishai first appeared with David in the wilderness of Ziph when pursued by Saul. Abishai volunteered to go with David into the center of Saul’s sleeping army. Standing by the drowsy Saul, he offered to kill him with one thrust of his sword, but David restrained him (1 Sam 26:6-9).
• In the warfare between Judah and Israel after the death of Saul, Abner killed Asahel. Sometime later, Abner decided to assist David in acquiring the throne over Israel. Nevertheless, Abishai assisted Joab in murdering Abner in revenge for the killing of Asahel. David declared himself and his kingdom guiltless of the murderous act of Joab and Abishai (2 Sam 2:18, 24; 3:30).
• During Absalom’s rebellion, Abishai remained loyal to David. When David left Jerusalem surrounded by his mighty men, Shimei of the family of Saul cursed David and threw stones at him from a nearby hillside. Aroused to anger, Abishai said: “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and take off his head” (2 Sam 16:9). Here, again, David restrained Abishai’s impetuous, bloodthirsty spirit (v. 11). Abishai was set over one-third of David’s army to resist the attack of the Israelite army of Absalom under Amasa at Gilead (2 Sam 18:2). With Joab and Ittai, Abishai was ordered by David to “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom” (2 Sam 18:5). In the battle with the Ammonites assisted by the Syrians, Abishai attacked the Ammonite sector while Joab attacked the Syrians. Joab and Abishai were successful in their respective battles (2 Sam 10:10, 14). Abishai commanded an army that conquered the Edomites, killing 18,000 Edomites and placing garrisons in Edom (1 Chron 18:12, 13).
• In David’s old age, Abishai rescued him from death when a Philistine giant pressed him in a battle with the Philistines. Abishai slew the giant Ishbibenob. As David returned to Jerusalem after the death of Absalom, though Shimei welcomed David and confessed his sin, Abishai said: “Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD’S anointed?” (2 Sam 19:21). Once more David rebuked and restrained Abishai. In the struggle to regain control of the nation after Absalom’s rebellion, Joab killed Amasa, and Joab and Abishai pursued Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite, who instigated rebellion against David. The pursuit ended in the dispersal of Sheba’s army and his death.
• The exact status of Abishai among David’s great men is difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain. KJV, following the Heb. text, states that Abishai “was chief among three” (2 Sam 23:18). But David’s three mighty men, Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah (2 Sam 23:8, 9, 11), did not allow the inclusion of Abishai. Consequently, KJV adds the word “first” (without textual support) to the last statement of 2 Samuel 23:19: “...he attained not unto the first three.” This presumes that there were two groups of three mighty men of David and that Abishai was the most renowned of the second group of three. The RSV, following certain Syr. MSS, which read “thirty” rather than “three” in several places (2 Sam 23:18, 19; 1 Chron 11:20, 21), read that Abishai “did not attain to the three,” but he “won a name beside the three” as the “chief of the thirty.” The RSV seems more plausible, but the textual evidence for KJV is better.
• Abishai probably died before the struggle between Adonijah and Solomon because he is not mentioned on either side of that conflict. Abishai, son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and one of the three famous brothers, of whom Joab and Asahel were the other two (2 Samuel 2:18). He was chief of the second group of three among David's "mighty men" (2 Samuel 23:18).
• He first appears with David, who was in the Wilderness of Ziph, to escape Saul. When David called for a volunteer to go down into Saul's camp by night, Abishai responded and counseled the killing of Saul when they came upon the sleeping King (1 Samuel 26:6-9). Abishai was present in the skirmish between the men of Ishbosheth and the men of David at Gibeon, in which Abner killed Asahel (2 Samuel 2:18, 24). He was with and aided Joab in the cruel and indefensible murder of Abner in revenge for their brother Asahel (2 Samuel 3:30).
In David's campaign against the allied Ammonites and Syrians, Abishai led the attack upon the Ammonites, while Joab met the Syrians; the battle was a great victory for Israel (2 Samuel 10:10-14). He was always faithful to David and remained with him as he fled from Absalom. When Shimei, of the house of Saul, cursed the fleeing King, Abishai characteristically wished to kill him at once (2 Samuel 16:8, 9); when the King returned victoriously, Abishai advised the rejection of Shimei's penitence and his immediate execution (2 Samuel 19:21).
In the battle with Absalom's army at Mahanaim, Abishai led one division of David's army, Joab and Ittai commanding the other two (2 Samuel 18:2). With Joab, he put down the revolt against David of Sheba, a man of Benjamin (2 Samuel 20:6, 10), at which Joab treacherously slew Amasa his cousin and rival, as he had likewise murdered Abner, Abishai no doubt being party to the crime. In a battle with the Philistines late in his life, David was faint, being now an old man, and was in danger of death at the hands of the Philistine giant Ishbihenob when Abishai came to his rescue and killed the giant (2 Samuel 21:17). In the list of David's heroes (2 Samuel 23) Abishai's right to leadership of the "second three" is based upon his overthrowing three hundred men with his spear (2 Samuel 23:18). He does not appear in the struggle of Adonijah against Solomon, in which Joab was the leader. He, therefore, is supposed to have died before that time.
He was an impetuous, courageous man but less cunning than his more famous brother Joab, although just as cruel and relentless toward rival or foe. David understood and feared their hardness and cruelty. Abishai's best trait was his answer to Abishai in the Bible: Fearless Warrior
Abishai, the little-known warrior who saved David’s life, was an instrumental commander in David’s military. He is not as well known as his notorious brother, Joab, but he is just as capable and fearless. Abishai held two prominent positions within David’s military. He typically commanded a division in the army and was a member of the exclusive military club known as “The Thirty” (David’s mighty men). Undoubtedly, his military skills contributed significantly to the growth of David’s empire and squashing rebellions.
Nephew to a King, Brother to a General
Abishai was one of three warrior brothers who served under King David. His brothers were Joab, the army commander, and Asahel, a commander in the militia. Nevertheless, he was also David’s nephew, the son of his sister Zeruiah.
Impulsive and Fearless
Abishai’s impulsiveness, with little fear of consequences, is one of his marking traits. His impetuous nature sometimes led to extreme acts of courage but would invite David’s ire at others.
Abishai and Joab Murder Abner
A few years later, Abishai’s brother Asahel is killed in self-defense by the commander of Israel’s army, Abner, during the battle of Gibeon (II Samuel 2:12-32). David ruled only Judah at this time, but Abner would later make peace with David. The agreement between David and Abner was strategic because Abner planned to use his influence to bring the whole of Israel under David’s control (II Samuel 3:1-25). However, Joab conspires with Abishai, killing Abner to avenge their brother’s death (II Samuel 3:26-30). In this act, he is insubordinate, driven by passion, and in direct contrast to David’s gracious treatment of Saul.
Abishai asks to execute Shimei.
There is at least one other record illustrating Abishai’s impetuous nature. While David fled from Jerusalem during his son Absalom’s coup, David and his entourage came across a noble from Saul’s family named Shimei (II Samuel 16:5-14). Shimei threw stones at David and his party and insulted David. It was a bold but foolish move. Abishai wanted to strike him dead right there for insulting his King. However, David stayed his hand again, responding with, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah?” (II Samuel 16:10). Clearly, Abishai was not the only impulsive, bloodthirsty brother.
Division Commander
Although impulsive, Abishai was a capable leader and military commander. Based on the textual evidence, Abishai commanded one of two or three divisions in David’s army under his brother Joab. Three separate accounts confirm this role. (For more on the organization of the military, read “The Organization of David’s Military.“)
Abishai in Command Against the Ammonites
Abishai and his brother Joab defeated a two-front engagement against the Ammonites and their Syrian mercenaries. In this account, Joab divided his forces into two divisions, placing Abishai in command of the forces engaging the Ammonites while he faced the Syrians (II Samuel 10). The battle turned in Israel’s favor, causing the Syrian and Ammonite forces to flee.
Abishai Prevails Against the Edomites
Three different scriptures reference the defeat of the Edomites. On the surface, the three verses appear to contradict each other. II Samuel 8:13 attributes the defeat to David. II Chronicles 18:12 attributes the defeat to Abishai, and Psalm 60:1 attributes the defeat to Joab. However, it is common for anyone in the chain of command to be given credit for a military victory achieved by his subordinates. That is clearly what happens here.
Knowing that Joab was the army's commander, Abishai's victory could be more directly attributed. The mention of Abishai in the scriptures during the war against the Edomites highlights his effectiveness as a military leader and tactician.
Abishai Commands a Division to Defeat Absalom
In the battle to reclaim his throne during Absalom’s coup, David divides his military forces into three divisions (II Samuel 18:2). He places Abishai in command of one of them and Joab and Ittai the Gittite in command of the other two. The battle is fought mainly in the woods of Ephraim, where the rough terrain contributed to many casualties. King David’s forces, however, emerge victorious.
Abishai in Pursuit of Sheba
Not too long after Absalom’s coup, Sheba rallies the men of Israel to follow him and rebel against David. By this point, David had replaced Joab as the commander of his army with Amasa. David instructed Amasa to call up the men of Judah (probably militia reserves to reinforce its depleted force from the Absalom coup). Amasa tarries, so David places his existing force under the command of Abishai to pursue Sheba. David’s choice illustrates his confidence in Abishai’s abilities as a commander (II Samuel 20).
Unfortunately, while en route, Joab murders Amasa and takes control of the military. While the text does not implicate Abishai in the plot against Amasa, it appears he might have relinquished control to his brother Joab. (II Samuel 20:10)
Leader of the Thirty
Abishai was a member of the elite group, “The Thirty,” also known as David’s Mighty Men. This was an honor shared by his brother Asahel, but not Joab. The translation of this verse is complex, so there is a disagreement among scholars about whether he was chief of the three or chief of the thirty. Per II Samuel 23:18 and I Chronicles 11:20, Abishai might have commanded the group at one point. Considering his position within the army, he was likely the commander of the larger group.
Regardless of his position among The Thirty, Abishai was a warrior’s warrior. The biblical text chronicles Abishai’s most incredible feat, killing three hundred men with a spear.
Abishai Saves David’s Life
When David was in his 60s, Israel was again at war with the Philistines. By this point, most giants had been killed, but four remained who fought with the Philistines. One of them, Ishbi-bob, sought David in the field of battle and almost killed him. David was no longer that young, vibrant warrior who slew Goliath with a sling. Age had taken its toll, and it showed on the battlefield. Abishai reached David in time to save him from Ishbi-benob, no doubt using his superb skills as a warrior to best Ishbi-benob (II Samuel 21:16-17). However, this incident effectively ends David’s military career. David’s men told him he was no longer able and capable of joining his forces in the heat of battle.
Loyal to His Brother and King, King David trusted Abishai to command his forces throughout the expansion and the wars to secure his kingdom. Abishai proved his loyalty to David on several occasions; the most notable one was toward the end of David’s reign when he saved his life. However, it is also clear that Abishai was easily influenced by his brother Joab, engaging in insubordination against his King when they killed Abner and then when he presumably relinquished command to Joab while in pursuit of Sheba. It is telling, though, that when Joab commits treason against King David and the heir to the throne, Solomon, Abishai’s name is absent from the record. That might have been a bridge too far for Abishai. This mighty warrior might have been ultimately loyal to David after all.
