Abishai was the eldest son of Zeruiah, sister of the Biblical King David. His name means father of (i.e. desirous of) a gift. He was the brother of Joab and Asahel (2 Sam 2:18; 1 Chr 2:16), and a military leader under David. Abishai was the only one who accompanied David when he went to the camp of Saul and took the spear and water bottle from Saul as he slept (1 Sam 26:5-12).