Abishai was one of the most prominent, yet often overshadowed, warrior-leaders during the reign of King David. He was characterized by his fierce loyalty to David, his unwavering courage in battle, and an often-impulsive, sometimes ruthless, nature that David frequently had to restrain.
Family Ties and Position
Abishai was a vital member of David’s inner circle, not merely as a soldier but as a kinsman:
- Son of Zeruiah: Abishai was the eldest of the three warrior sons of Zeruiah, who was David’s sister (1 Chronicles 2:16, KJV). This made him David’s nephew.
- Brother of Mighty Men: His brothers were Joab, who became the commander-in-chief of David’s entire army, and Asahel, a swift-footed commander killed early in David’s rise to power (2 Samuel 2:18, KJV).
- Chief of the Second Three: Abishai was recognized as the chief of the “second three” among David’s elite corps of warriors, known as the Mighty Men (2 Samuel 23:18, KJV). His personal valor was legendary, as scripture records: “And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew them, and had the name among three.” (2 Samuel 23:18, KJV).
Key Moments of Service
Abishai’s life story is interwoven with David’s path to the throne and his tumultuous reign, marked by both great service and unrestrained impulse.
The Attempt to Slay Saul
One of Abishai’s earliest notable acts was volunteering to accompany David on a dangerous night mission into Saul’s camp. When they found King Saul asleep, Abishai immediately saw an opportunity for deliverance:
“Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.” (1 Samuel 26:8, KJV)
David, however, restrained Abishai, refusing to lift his hand against “the LORD’s anointed.”
The Murder of Abner
Following the death of their brother Asahel at the hands of Abner, the commander of Saul’s army, Abishai and Joab were consumed by a desire for revenge. Later, they cruelly and indefensibly murdered Abner after he had come in peace to David: “So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.” (2 Samuel 3:30, KJV). David strongly rebuked his nephews for this act of violence and deceit.
Unwavering Loyalty During Rebellion
Abishai remained fiercely loyal to David throughout the revolts and challenges to his reign, proving his commitment in several tense situations:
- A Desire to Execute a Cursing Man: When David fled from Absalom, a Benjamite named Shimei cursed David. Abishai, in his characteristic impulsive loyalty, quickly sought permission to kill Shimei: “Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.” (2 Samuel 16:9, KJV). Again, David commanded him to hold his peace.
- Command in Battle: Abishai was given the command of one-third of David’s army in the decisive battle against Absalom’s forces (2 Samuel 18:2, KJV).
Rescuing David from the Giant
In one of David’s later battles against the Philistines, the aging king grew faint and was nearly slain by Ishbi-benob, a giant of the sons of the giant:
“But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.” (2 Samuel 21:17, KJV)
In this act, Abishai saved the life of his king, demonstrating his profound courage and devotion. He also distinguished himself in other military campaigns, including slaying eighteen thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt (1 Chronicles 18:12, KJV).
Abishai’s story is a compelling study of a powerful warrior who, despite personal flaws and a tendency toward violent retribution, was consistently faithful and devoted to the King of Israel, playing a critical role in establishing and maintaining David’s kingdom.