Abishai

father of (i.e., "desirous of") a gift, the eldest son of Zeruiah, David's sister. He was the brother of Joab and Asahel ( 2 Samuel 2:18 ; 1 Chronicles 2:16 ). Abishai was the only one who accompanied David when he went to the camp of Saul and took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster ( 1 Samuel 26:5-12 ). He had the command of one of the three divisions of David's army at the battle with Absalom ( 2 Samuel 18:2 2 Samuel 18:5 2 Samuel 18:12 ). He slew the Philistine giant Ishbi-benob, who threatened David's life ( 2 Samuel 21:15-17 ). He was the chief of the second rank of the three "mighties" ( 2 Samuel 23:18 2 Samuel 23:19 ; 1 Chronicles 11:20 1 Chronicles 11:21 ); and on one occasion withstood 300 men, and slew them with his own spear ( 2 Samuel 23:18 ). Abishai is the name of the Semitic chief who offers gifts to the lord of Beni-Hassan. See illustration facing page 10.