Abishai

Who is Abishai?

Abishai was the eldest son of Zeruiah, sister of the Biblical King David. His name means father of a gift. He was the brother of Joab and Asahel, and a military leader under David.

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 of the second rank of the three "mighty men". On one occasion, he withstood 300 men and slew them with his own spear.

Abishai was involved in David's battle with the Philistine giant Ishbi-benob, who threatened David's life; depending on the exact reading, Abishai either saved David by slaying the giant, or else helped David slay him. Some Jewish sources interpret this latter option as meaning Abishai's prayers saved David.