Abi'shai, whose name means "my father is Jesse," is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the narratives concerning King David. He is the son of Zeruiah, David's sister, making him David's nephew. Abi'shai is the brother of Joab and Asahel, both of whom are also significant figures in David's military exploits.

Family and Background

Abi'shai is introduced in the biblical narrative as one of the sons of Zeruiah. His familial connections place him in a position of influence and responsibility within David's army. The sons of Zeruiah, including Abi'shai, are often noted for their fierce loyalty and military prowess.

Military Exploits

Abi'shai is best known for his role as a warrior and leader in David's army. He first comes to prominence during David's flight from King Saul. In 1 Samuel 26, Abi'shai accompanies David into Saul's camp at night. When they find Saul sleeping, Abi'shai offers to kill Saul, saying, "God has delivered your enemy into your hand this day. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of my spear; I will not need to strike him twice" (1 Samuel 26:8). However, David restrains him, emphasizing the sanctity of the Lord's anointed.

Abi'shai's military prowess is further highlighted in his participation in various battles. In 2 Samuel 2, he is involved in the battle at the pool of Gibeon, where his brother Asahel is killed by Abner, the commander of Saul's army. Abi'shai, along with Joab, pursues Abner, demonstrating his commitment to avenging his brother's death.

In 2 Samuel 10, Abi'shai plays a crucial role in the battle against the Ammonites and the Arameans. When Joab divides the forces, Abi'shai is given command of a portion of the army to face the Ammonites. Joab instructs him, "If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to help you" (2 Samuel 10:11). This strategic partnership underscores Abi'shai's importance as a military leader.

Abi'shai also demonstrates his valor in 2 Samuel 21, where he saves David from being killed by a Philistine giant named Ishbi-benob. The text states, "But Abi'shai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him" (2 Samuel 21:17). This act of bravery reinforces his loyalty and dedication to David.

Role in David's Reign

Throughout David's reign, Abi'shai remains a steadfast supporter. He is involved in quelling the rebellion of Absalom, David's son, and later in the suppression of Sheba's revolt. In 2 Samuel 18, during the battle against Absalom's forces, Abi'shai is one of the commanders under Joab, further illustrating his integral role in maintaining David's kingship.

Abi'shai's loyalty to David is also evident in his willingness to execute Shimei, who cursed David during Absalom's rebellion. In 2 Samuel 16, Abi'shai offers to kill Shimei, saying, "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head" (2 Samuel 16:9). However, David again restrains him, showing a pattern of Abi'shai's readiness to act decisively, often tempered by David's more measured approach.

Legacy

Abi'shai's legacy is that of a valiant warrior and loyal supporter of King David. His actions throughout the biblical narrative highlight his courage, military skill, and unwavering dedication to his king and uncle. As a member of David's inner circle, Abi'shai's contributions to the establishment and maintenance of David's kingdom are significant, reflecting the complex interplay of family loyalty and political power in the biblical account.Abi'shai (25 Occurrences)

1 Samuel 26:6
Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying: 'Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp?' And Abishai said: 'I will go down with thee.'
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1 Samuel 26:7
So David and Abishai came to the people by night; and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the barricade, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head; and Abner and the people lay round about him.
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1 Samuel 26:8
Then said Abishai to David: 'God hath delivered up thine enemy into thy hand this day; now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear to the earth at one stroke, and I will not smite him the second time.'
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1 Samuel 26:9
And David said to Abishai: 'Destroy him not; for who can put forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?'
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2 Samuel 2:18
And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel; and Asahel was as light of foot as one of the roes that are in the field.
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2 Samuel 2:24
But Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner; and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.
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2 Samuel 3:30
So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had killed their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.
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2 Samuel 10:10
and the rest of the people he committed into the hand of Abishai his brother, and he put them in array against the children of Ammon.
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2 Samuel 10:14
And when the children of Ammon saw that the Arameans were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai, and entered into the city. Then Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.
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2 Samuel 16:9
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.'
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2 Samuel 16:11
And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants: 'Behold, my son, who came forth of my body, seeketh my life; how much more this Benjamite now? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.
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2 Samuel 18:2
And David sent forth the people, a third part under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people: 'I will surely go forth with you myself also.'
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2 Samuel 18:5
And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying: 'Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom.' And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.
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2 Samuel 18:12
And the man said unto Joab: 'Though I should receive a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, yet would I not put forth my hand against the king's son; for in our hearing the king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai, saying: Beware that none touch the young man Absalom.
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2 Samuel 19:21
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said: 'Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?'
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2 Samuel 20:6
And David said to Abishai: 'Now will Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom; take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fortified cities, and escape out of our sight.'
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2 Samuel 20:7
So there went after Abishai, Joab and the Cherethites and the Pelethites and all the fighting-men; they went out of Jerusalem to overtake Sheba, the son of Bichri.
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2 Samuel 20:10
But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand; so he smote him therewith in the groin, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. And Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.
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2 Samuel 21:17
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David swore unto him, saying: 'Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the lamp of Israel.'
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2 Samuel 23:18
And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them, and had a name among the three.
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1 Chronicles 2:16
And their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah: Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.
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1 Chronicles 11:20
And Abishai, the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three; for he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them, and had a name among the three.
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1 Chronicles 18:12
Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah smote of the Edomites in the Valley of Salt eighteen thousand.
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1 Chronicles 19:11
And the rest of the people he committed into the hand of Abishai his brother, and they put themselves in array against the children of Ammon.
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1 Chronicles 19:15
And when the children of Ammon saw that the Arameans were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.
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Abi'shai (25 Occurrences)
Abi'shai. Abishai, Abi'shai. Abishalom . Multi-Version Concordance
Abi'shai (25 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David ...
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Abishai (25 Occurrences)

/a/abishai.htm - 19k

Abishalom (2 Occurrences)

/a/abishalom.htm - 7k

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