Abishai

King David’s nephew. The son of David's sister Zeruiah (his father is not mentioned) and brother of Joab and Asahel (1 Chronicles 2:16).

Abishai went with David to Saul’s camp one night and wanted to kill Saul while he was sleeping, but David stopped him (1 Samuel 26:6–12). He also helped Joab kill Abner, Saul’s general, to avenge the death of their brother, Asahel (2 Samuel 3:30).

Later, Abishai won a victory over the Edomites (1 Chronicles 18:12–13) and was second in command in a decisive battle against the Ammonites (1 Chronicles 19:10–15). Abishai was often cruel. For example, he wanted to behead Shimei for insulting David during Absalom’s rebellion, but again, David stopped him (2 Samuel 16:5–12; 19:21–23). When King David fled beyond the Jordan, Abishai led one of David’s three divisions that defeated Absalom (2 Samuel 18:1–15).

Later, in a battle against the Philistines, Abishai saved David’s life by killing the giant Ishbi-benob (2 Samuel 21:15–17). He was called one of David’s bravest warriors (2 Samuel 23:18–19; 1 Chronicles 11:20–21).