Topical Encyclopedia
Zeruiah is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known primarily as the mother of three of King David's most notable military leaders: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Her name is mentioned frequently in the context of her sons' exploits and their close association with David, the second king of Israel. Zeruiah's lineage and her sons' actions significantly impacted the history of Israel during David's reign.
Family Background and LineageZeruiah was the sister of David, making her a daughter of Jesse, the Bethlehemite. This familial connection places her within the tribe of Judah, a tribe that held a central role in the history of Israel. Although the Bible does not provide extensive details about Zeruiah's own life or her husband, her identity is primarily established through her sons, who are often referred to as "sons of Zeruiah" (e.g.,
2 Samuel 2:18).
Sons of Zeruiah1.
Joab: Joab, the eldest son of Zeruiah, served as the commander of David's army. He was a formidable warrior and a shrewd military strategist. Joab played a crucial role in many of David's military campaigns, including the capture of Jerusalem (
1 Chronicles 11:6) and the defeat of Absalom's rebellion (
2 Samuel 18:14-15). Despite his loyalty to David, Joab's actions were sometimes ruthless and politically motivated, leading to tension between him and the king.
2.
Abishai: Abishai, another of Zeruiah's sons, was known for his bravery and loyalty to David. He accompanied David on several dangerous missions, including the daring night raid into Saul's camp (
1 Samuel 26:6-9). Abishai also played a significant role in battles against the Philistines and other enemies of Israel (
2 Samuel 21:17).
3.
Asahel: Asahel, the youngest son, was noted for his swiftness and agility. He met his untimely death at the hands of Abner, the commander of Saul's army, during the battle at Gibeon (
2 Samuel 2:18-23). Asahel's death sparked a prolonged blood feud between Joab and Abner, which had lasting implications for the political landscape of Israel.
Zeruiah's Influence and LegacyWhile Zeruiah herself is not the central focus of the biblical narrative, her influence is evident through her sons' actions and their close association with King David. The repeated mention of her name in connection with her sons underscores her significance in the royal family of Judah. The "sons of Zeruiah" were instrumental in establishing and maintaining David's rule over Israel, often acting as his enforcers and protectors.
Zeruiah's legacy is intertwined with the turbulent and dynamic period of David's reign, marked by military conquests, internal strife, and the consolidation of the kingdom of Israel. Her sons' loyalty and military prowess contributed to David's success as a king, despite the moral and ethical complexities that sometimes accompanied their actions.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Zeruiahpain or tribulation of the Lord
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Zeruiah(balsam), the mother of the three leading heroes of David's army --Abishai, Joah and Asahel-- known as the "sons of Zeruiah." Of Zeruiah's husband there is no mention in the Bible. (B.C. before 1046.)
ATS Bible Dictionary
ZeruiahSister of David, and mother of his famous generals, Joab, Abishai, and Asahel,1 Chronicles 2:16. Her husband is unknown.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Stricken of the Lord, David's sister, and the mother of Abishai, Joab, and Asahel (
1 Chronicles 2:16), who were the three leading heroes of David's army, and being his nephews, they were admitted to the closest companionship with him.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ZERUIAHze-roo-i'-a, ze-roo'-ya (tseruyah, tseruyah (2 Samuel 14:1;2 Samuel 16:10), meaning uncertain; Sarouia): In2 Samuel 2:18;2 Samuel 17:251 Chronicles 2:16, and elsewhere where the names Joab, Abishai, occur. According to1 Chronicles 2:16 a sister of David and mother of Joab, Abishai and Asahel, the two former being always referred to as sons of Zeruiah. This latter fact is explained by some as pointing to a type of marriage by which the children belonged to their mother's clan (compare Abimelech,Judges 8:31;Judges 9:1;); by others as being due to her husband's early death; and again as a proof of the mother in this case being the stronger personality. Either of the last two reasons may be the correct one, and plenty of parallels from the village names of boys today can be produced to illustrate both explanations. According to2 Samuel 2:32, her husband was buried at Bethlehem. In2 Samuel 17:25, "Abigal the daughter of Nahash" is said to be her sister.
SeeABIGAIL.
David Francis Roberts
Strong's Hebrew
6870. Tseruyah -- an Israelite woman... Tseruyah. 6871 . an Israelite woman. Transliteration: Tseruyah Phonetic Spelling:
(tser-oo-yaw') Short Definition:
Zeruiah.
... woman NASB Word Usage
Zeruiah (26).
...Library
The Meek and Lowly One
... Wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" Christ's
disciples were to him something like the sons ofZeruiah to David; or when...
Instances from the Life of the Blessed David in which Anger was...
... their souls?" [931] And when Shimei threw stones at King David and cursed him, in
his hearing, before everybody, and Abishai, the son ofZeruiah, the captain...
Love and Remorse
... in the trench, and the people pitched round about him.6. Then answered David and
said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son ofZeruiah, brother to...
A Soldier who Spared his Enemy
... Then David turned to Ahimelech the Hittite and to Abishai the son ofZeruiah, Joab's
brother, and said, "Who will go down with me to Saul's camp?" Abishai said...
How David, when He had Recovered his Kingdom, was Reconciled to...
... he hath cursed that king whom God hath appointed to reign over us?" But David turned
himself to him, and said, "Will you never leave off, ye sons ofZeruiah?...
How David Laid Siege to Jerusalem; and when He had Taken the City...
... However, Joab, the son ofZeruiah, prevented the rest; and as soon as he was got
up to the citadel, cried out to the king, and claimed the chief command....
How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair...
... He appointed Amasa to be captain of all his host, instead of Joab his kinsman: his
father was Ithra and his mother Abigail: now she andZeruiah, the mother of...
In this Matter we must Imitate David's Silence and Humility...
... David was silent; and although he was surrounded with armed men he did not return
the abuse, nor sought revenge: nay, even when the son ofZeruiah spoke to him...
The Wills of Men are So Much in the Power of God, that He Can Turn...
... wisdom? What did he say to him who wanted to smite the reviler? "What,"
said he, "have I to do with you, ye sons ofZeruiah? Let...
How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of
... But Joab, whose father was Suri, and his motherZeruiah, David's sister, who was
general of David's army, met him, according to David's appointment....
Thesaurus
Zeruiah (25 Occurrences)...ZERUIAH.
... According to 1 Chronicles 2:16 a sister of David and mother of Joab, Abishai
and Asahel, the two former being always referred to as sons of
Zeruiah.
...Zeruiah's (1 Occurrence)
...Zeruiah's (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 2:16 And their sisters wereZeruiah and Abigail.
And the sons ofZeruiah: Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three. (See NIV)...
Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)
Zeru'iah.Zeruiah, Zeru'iah.Zeruiah's . Multi-Version Concordance
Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David...
Abi'shai (25 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai
the son ofZeruiah, brother to Joab, saying: 'Who will go down with me to...
Abishai (25 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Father of (ie, "desirous of") a gift, the eldest
son ofZeruiah, David's sister. He was the brother of...
Asahel (17 Occurrences)
... Made by God, the youngest son ofZeruiah, David's sister.... The three were sons of
Zeruiah, one of David's sisters (1 Chronicles 2:15, 16 2 Samuel 2:18, etc.)....
Nahash (9 Occurrences)
... Jesse's wife had apparently been first married to this man, to whom she bore Abigail
andZeruiah, who were thus David's sisters, but only on the mother's side...
Abigail (18 Occurrences)
... In the first passage she is called David's sister, along withZeruiah; while in
the second she is called the "daughter of Nahash." Several explanations of this...
Joab's (13 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 26:6 And David spake and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai
the son ofZeruiah, Joab's brother, saying, Who will go down with me to Saul to...
Jo'ab's (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 26:6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai
the son ofZeruiah, brother to Joab, saying, "Who will go down with me to...
Resources
Does the Bible mention David's mother? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Joab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWas Goliath one of the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
