Notable Sources
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Loyalty in the Face of DangerTANAKH
Loyalty in the Face of Danger
TANAKH
Avishai's willingness to accompany David into Saul's camp showcases his loyalty and readiness to support David in a dangerous mission. In the book of Samuel I, David seeks a volunteer to accompany him into Saul's camp, and Avishai, son of Zeruiah and brother of Joab, agrees to go with him.
Avishai ben Tzeruya's SacrificeTALMUD
Avishai ben Tzeruya's Sacrifice
TALMUD
Toward the end of King David's reign, he brings a plague upon the nation, which is eventually halted. The Talmudic narrative explains that it was Avishai's death which, because of his personal greatness, defrayed Israel's debts and allowed the destruction to cease.
The Valor of AvishaiCOMMENTARY
The Valor of Avishai
COMMENTARY
Avishai's personal courage and leadership are celebrated, yet he was not included among the elite 'Three' warriors. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz’s modern translation and commentary on the Hebrew Bible explains Avishai’s role in King David’s army.
Justice vs. MercyTANAKH
Justice vs. Mercy
TANAKH
Although Avishai was loyal to King David, there was sometimes friction between them. In this moment, Avishai is eager to defend David's honor by executing one who has cursed him, while David seeks to distance himself from such violent justice.