Abishai

ABISHAI, the Son of Zuri and Zeruiah, David’s Sister, was one of the most valiant Men of his time, and one of the principal Generals in David’s Armies. Abishai vanquished Ishbi-benob, a Giant descended from the Rephaims, who bore a Lance, the Head whereof weighed three hundred shekels of Brass. This Giant was upon the point of killing David, when Abishai prevented him by giving him his Death’s Wound. The same Abishai having one day enter’d 2 Sam. xxi. 16.Saul’s Tent in company with David, and finding him asleep, would have pierced him with his Sword; but David would not suffer it, contenting himself with carrying off this Prince’s Spear, 1 Sam. xxvi. 7.to shew that his Life had been within his power. When David, to preserve himself by flight from Absalom, was obliged to leave Jerusalem, Abishai shewed an inclination to kill Shimei, who insulted David in very offensive Language; but David check’d his Zeal, telling him that the Lord permitted this to happen with a design to humble him, and that he hoped God would have a regard to his Humility and Patience. 2 Sam. xvi. 9, 12. Ch. xviii. 2. Ch. x. 10.Abishai commanded the third part of David’s Army against Absalom. He commanded likewise part of the Army when his Brother Joab gave battle to the Ammonites. It is said in Scripture that he lift up his Spear against three hundred, and slew them all; but it is not known on what Occasion Ch. xxiii. 18.this happen’d, no more than the Time and manner of his Death.

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