1 Chronicles 11:20

And Abishai the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three: for lifting up his spear against three hundred, he slew [them], and had a name among the three.

And Abishai {H52} the brother {H251} of Joab {H3097}, he was chief {H7218} of the three {H7969}: for lifting up {H5782} his spear {H2595} against three {H7969} hundred {H3967}, he slew {H2491} them, and had a name {H8034} among the three {H7969}.

Avishai the brother of Yo'av was chief of these three. He raised his spear against 300 men and killed them; thus he had a reputation even among the three.

Now Abishai, the brother of Joab, was chief of the Three, and he lifted his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three.

And Abishai, the brother of Joab, he was chief of the three; for he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them, and had a name among the three.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Chronicles 11:20

This verse introduces us to one of King David's most celebrated warriors, Abishai, brother of the formidable Joab. It highlights a remarkable feat of strength and courage, solidifying his place among the elite "mighty men" who served David.

Context

First Chronicles chapter 11 recounts David's anointing as king over all Israel and then lists his most valiant warriors, often paralleling the account found in 2 Samuel chapter 23. Abishai's inclusion here signifies his high standing and importance in the early days of David's unified kingdom. He is identified as "chief of the three," indicating a specific, highly distinguished tier of warriors, distinct from the very top "three" (like Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah) but still of immense renown.

Key Themes

  • Exceptional Valor: Abishai's act of "lifting up his spear against three hundred" and slaying them single-handedly is a testament to extraordinary bravery and skill. This was not a minor skirmish but a decisive victory against overwhelming odds.
  • Recognition and Renown: The phrase "had a name among the three" underscores the lasting fame and respect Abishai earned through his heroic deeds. His reputation was well-established among the most elite fighting men.
  • Loyalty to David: These mighty men, including Abishai, were crucial to David's success and the security of his kingdom. Their unwavering loyalty and courage were foundational to the establishment of the Davidic dynasty.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "chief of the three" (ืจึนืืฉื ื”ึทืฉึฐึผืืœึนืฉึธืื”, ro'sh hash-sh'loshah) emphasizes Abishai's leadership role within a specific group of three elite warriors. While there were the "chief three" (Jashobeam, Eleazar, and Shammah), Abishai is often understood to be the leader of the "second three," a group that performed equally astounding feats, solidifying their legendary status. The verb "slew" (ื•ึทื™ึทึผื”ึฒืจึนื’, vayyaharog) is direct and powerful, conveying the decisive nature of his victory.

Practical Application

Abishai's story serves as an inspiration for courage and dedication. In our own lives, we are often called to face challenges that seem overwhelming, much like Abishai facing 300 men. This verse reminds us that:

  • Courage is Essential: We are encouraged to face our difficulties with boldness, trusting in God's strength to empower us.
  • Faithful Service is Honored: Just as Abishai's deeds earned him a "name," faithful service in any sphere, especially in God's kingdom, brings lasting recognition and reward. The Bible often commends such faithfulness, as seen in Matthew 25:23.
  • Teamwork is Powerful: While Abishai's act was singular, he was part of a larger team of mighty men whose collective strength built David's kingdom. This highlights the importance of supporting one another in shared goals.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 26:6 (3 votes)

    ยถ Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will go down with thee.

  • 2 Samuel 18:2 (2 votes)

    And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.

  • 2 Samuel 23:18 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Samuel 23:39 (2 votes)

    Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.

  • 2 Samuel 20:6 (2 votes)

    And David said to Abishai, Now shall Sheba the son of Bichri do us more harm than [did] Absalom: take thou thy lord's servants, and pursue after him, lest he get him fenced cities, and escape us.

  • 2 Samuel 3:30 (2 votes)

    So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.

  • 1 Chronicles 2:16 (2 votes)

    Whose sisters [were] Zeruiah, and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah; Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.