Name Meaning: The name Abishai means "father of a gift" or "my father is a gift" in Hebrew.

Biblical References: Abishai is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, and 1 Chronicles. He is the son of Zeruiah, David's sister, making him King David's nephew. His brothers are Joab and Asahel.

Family and Background: Abishai is the eldest son of Zeruiah. His familial connections place him in a position of influence and responsibility within David's military and royal circle. His brothers, Joab and Asahel, are also significant figures in David's army, with Joab serving as the commander.

Military Exploits and Loyalty to David:

1. Rescue of David: Abishai is noted for his bravery and loyalty to King David. In 2 Samuel 21:17, Abishai saves David from being killed by a Philistine giant named Ishbi-benob. The text states, "But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, saying, 'You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished.'"

2. Battle Against the Ammonites and Arameans: Abishai plays a crucial role in the battle against the Ammonites and Arameans. In 2 Samuel 10:10, Joab divides the forces, placing Abishai in command of one division to face the Ammonites: "He placed the rest of the forces under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites."

3. Pursuit of Abner: Abishai, along with his brother Joab, pursues Abner, the commander of Saul's army, after the death of Asahel. This pursuit is part of the ongoing conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David (2 Samuel 2:24).

4. Participation in the Rebellion of Absalom: During Absalom's rebellion, Abishai remains loyal to David. He is one of the commanders who lead David's forces against Absalom's army (2 Samuel 18:2).

5. Confrontation with Shimei: Abishai is quick to defend David's honor. When Shimei curses David, Abishai offers to kill him, but David restrains him, showing mercy instead (2 Samuel 16:9-10).

6. Battle Against Sheba: Abishai is tasked with leading the pursuit against Sheba, a Benjamite who rebels against David. In 2 Samuel 20:6, David instructs Abishai, "Now Sheba son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, or he will find fortified cities and elude us."

Character Traits: Abishai is characterized by his courage, loyalty, and military prowess. He is often seen as a fierce warrior, ready to defend David and the kingdom of Israel. His actions demonstrate a strong sense of duty and familial loyalty, particularly in his support of David during times of conflict and rebellion.

Role in David's Reign: Abishai's role in David's reign is significant due to his military leadership and his unwavering support for the king. His actions contribute to the stability and security of David's kingdom during tumultuous times.

Legacy: Abishai's legacy is that of a valiant warrior and a loyal supporter of King David. His exploits are recorded as part of the larger narrative of David's reign and the establishment of Israel as a united kingdom. His dedication to David and his military achievements are remembered as integral to the successes of David's rule.Abishai or Abishai

(father of a gift), The eldest of the three sons of Zeruiah, David's sister, and brother to Joab and Asahel. (1 Chronicles 2:16) Like his two brothers he was the devoted follower of David. He was his companion in the desperate night expedition to the camp of Saul. (1 Samuel 26:6-9) (B.C. 1055.) On the outbreak of Absalom's rebellion he remained true to the king,a nd commanded a third part of the army in the decisive battle against Absalom. He rescued David from the hands of the gigantic Philistine, Ishbi-benob. (2 Samuel 21:17) His personal prowess on this, as on another occasion, when he fought singlehanded against three hundred, won for him a place as captain of the second three of David's mighty men. (2 Samuel 23:18; 1 Chronicles 11:20)

52. Abishay -- "my father is Jesse," an Israelite name
... 51, 52. Abishay. 53 . "my father is Jesse," an Israelite name. Transliteration:
Abishay Phonetic Spelling: (ab-ee-shah'ee) Short Definition: Abishai. ... Abishai ...
/hebrew/52.htm - 6k

Love and Remorse
... his host: and Saul lay in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.6.
Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love and remorse.htm

A Soldier who Spared his Enemy
... Then David turned to Ahimelech the Hittite and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's
brother, and said, "Who will go down with me to Saul's camp?" Abishai said ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a soldier who spared his.htm

'More than Conquerors through Him'
... And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that
he might put them in array against the children of Ammon.11. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/more than conquerors through him.htm

A Broken-Hearted Father
... And he divided the troops into three divisions; one was under the command of Joab,
another under Abishai, and another under the command of Ittai. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a broken-hearted father.htm

David the Outcast.
... At night he took Abishai, one of his warriors, and went down from the cliffs to
Saul's camp, where Saul lay sleeping in a trench, and the spear stuck in the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxii david the outcast.htm

How the War was Waged against the Ammonites and Happily Concluded.
... part of his men, and set them in opposition to the king of Syria, and the kings
that were with him, and gave the other part to his brother Abishai, and bid him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the war.htm

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... Nor did God give victory and success to him only when he went to the battle himself,
and led his own army, but he gave victory to Abishai, the brother of Joab ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to ...
... While he was thus entreating the king, and moving him to compassion, Abishai, Joab's
brother, said, "And shall not this man die for this, that he hath cursed ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how david when.htm

How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... However, both Joab [1] himself, and his brother Abishai, ran past the dead corpse,
and making their anger at the death of Asahel an occasion of greater zeal ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how david reigned.htm

How the Hebrews were Delivered from a Famine when the Gibeonites ...
... He turned back, and ran violently to slay [David] their enemy's king, for he was
quite tired out with labor; but Abishai, Joab's brother, appeared on the sudden ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how the hebrews.htm

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