Bible Strands
2 Samuel 23:18
Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The passage records a military feat within David’s warrior catalog, identifying Abishai as the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah. It notes his position as chief of the Three and his action of wielding a spear against three hundred men.
The words — The Hebrew רֹאשׁ (rosh) literally means “head” or “chief,” denoting leadership rank. The phrase הַ/שְּלֹשָ֔ה (ha./she.lo.shi) translates to “of the three,” specifying the elite group he commanded.
The thread — Abishai appears repeatedly as a military commander alongside his brother Joab in 2 Samuel 10:10, 2 Samuel 10:14, and 2 Samuel 18:2. These references show his established role in leading troops during David’s campaigns.
Why it lands — The text records a specific combat feat and leadership title without commentary, placing the action within a historical list. It requires the reader to track Abishai’s role in David’s military structure and recognize how his authority is defined by lineage and verified action.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.
Cross-references
- 2 Samuel 10:10 And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites.
- 2 Samuel 10:14 When the Ammonites saw that the Arameans had fled, they too fled before Abishai, and they entered the city. So Joab returned from fighting against the Ammonites and came to Jerusalem.
- 2 Samuel 18:2 He sent out the troops, a third under Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the troops, “I will surely march out with you as well.”
- 1 Chronicles 11:20 Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three, and he wielded his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three.
- 1 Samuel 26:6 And David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?” “I will go with you,” answered Abishai.
- 2 Samuel 2:18 The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle,
- 2 Samuel 3:30 (Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)
- 2 Samuel 20:10 Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri.
- 1 Chronicles 2:16 Their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the three sons of Zeruiah were Abishai, Joab, and Asahel.