Thank you for the biblical question about Abishai, “What happened to Abishai in the Bible?”
Abishai is the brother of Joab. Both Joab and Abishai were warriors for King David and followed him early in his life. They were one of his most trusted men.
The death of Joab is recorded is in I Kings 2:28–35 when he is struck down at the command of King Solomon for the death of two innocent lives: Abner and Amasa. There is no record that Abishai betrayed King David or acted dishonorably.
The death of Abishai is unknown. He is listed among the elite warriors of King David. I Chronicle 11 says this, “20 Abishai the brother of Joab 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. 21 He was doubly honored above the Three and became their commander, even though he was not included among them” (NIV).
In my opinion, Abishai was a faithful servant of King David, willing to do what David asked of him. Although Abishai wanted to act independently as in killing King Saul when he was sleeping, he refrained himself and submitted to David. Abisha wanted to defend the honor of King David when Shimei cursed David as he fled Jerusalem (II Samuel 16:5–13). The offense of cursing the King is a capitol offense whereby King Solomon charged him not to leave Jerusalem or he will be killed. Abishai was a loyal servant of King David.
SUMMARY: The death of Abishai is not recorded. It is likely he received an honorable funeral at his death.
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