ABOUT ABISHAI

0. About Abishai

a) Most great leaders struggle with a few followers who try too hard. For David, Abishai was that kind of follower. His fierce loyalty to David had to be kept from becoming destructive - he was too willing to leap to his leader's defense. David never put down Abishai's eager loyalty. Instead, he patiently tried to direct its powerful energy. This approach, which not completely successful, saved David's life on at least one occasion. At three other times, however, Abishai would have killed for the king if David had not stopped him.

b) Abishai was an excellent soldier, but he was better at taking orders than giving them. When he wasn't carrying out David's orders, Abishai was usually under the command of his younger brother Joab. Two brothers helped each other accomplish great military feats as well as shameful acts of violence - Abisahi helped Joab murder Abner and Amasa. When he was effective as a leader, he led mostly by example. But all too often he did not think before he acted.

c) We should be challenged by Abishai's admirable qualities of fearlessness and loyalty, but we should be warned by his tendency to act without thinking. It is not enough to be strong and effective, we must also have the self-control and wisdom that God can give us. We are to follow and obey with our hearts and minds.

1. What were his strengths and accomplishments?

a) Known as one of the heroes among David's fighting men.

b) A fearless and willing volunteer fiercely loyal to David.

c) Saved David's life. 

2. What were his weaknesses and mistakes?

a) Tended to act without thinking.

b) Helped Joab murder Abner and Amasa. 

3. What can we learn from his life?

a) The most effective followers combine careful thought and action.

b) Bind loyalty can cause great evil. 

4. What are the key verses?

a) ¹⁸ Abishai the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. ¹⁹ Was he not held in greater honor than the Three? He became their commander, even though he was not included among them. (2 Samuel 23:18-19 NIV)

b) Abisahi's story is told in 2 Samuel 2:18-23:9. He is also mentioned in 1 Samuel 26:1-13; 1 Chronicles 2:16; 11:20; 18:12; 19:11,15.