King David was worn out in battle, and a giant came for him. One of his mighty men stepped in.
David Waxed Faint
The Philistines went to war with Israel again. David went down to fight with his servants. This time the king grew tired.
Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.
— 2 Samuel 21:15 (KJV)
A Son of the Giant
Ishbi-benob was one of the sons of the giant. His spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass. He had a new sword. He saw that David was tired, and he meant to kill him.
And Ishbi-benob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.
— 2 Samuel 21:16 (KJV)
From the PsalmsThe angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
— Psalm 34:7 (KJV)
Abishai Succoured Him
Abishai son of Zeruiah was close by. He ran in, fought the Philistine, and killed him. David was saved.
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.
— 2 Samuel 21:17 (KJV)
The Light of Israel
After that day, David’s men made him promise to stay out of battle. They called him “the light of Israel.” A true friend has your back when you are worn out.
From the PsalmsTake hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.
— Psalm 35:2 (KJV)
Read more about Abishai, chief of the Thirty, on Abishai Son of Zeruiah. Meet the other sons of the giant on The Four Giants of Gath, and see the full list of David’s mighty men.
41 bold coloring pages of King David's warriors, straight from 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11. Ages 5–99+. Paperback, $9.01.
Get the Coloring BookQuestions About This Story
Who saved David from the giant Ishbi-benob?
Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him (2 Samuel 21:17).
Who was Ishbi-benob?
One of the sons of the giant, whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass, girded with a new sword (2 Samuel 21:16).
Why did David's men tell him not to go to battle?
So that he would not quench the light of Israel (2 Samuel 21:17).
Was Abishai one of David's mighty men?
Yes. Abishai the brother of Joab was chief among three and lifted up his spear against three hundred (2 Samuel 23:18).
More of David's Mighty Men
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