Background:
Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, was a prominent military leader in King David's army and the brother of Joab and Asahel. Known for his bravery and loyalty to David, Abishai played a significant role in several key events during David's reign. One of his notable exploits was the overthrow of Sheba, a rebel who sought to divide the kingdom of Israel.

The Rebellion of Sheba:
The incident involving Sheba is recorded in 2 Samuel 20. After the revolt of Absalom, David returned to Jerusalem to reestablish his rule. However, a man named Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite, took advantage of the unrest and declared rebellion against David. Sheba blew the trumpet and proclaimed, "We have no share in David, no inheritance in the son of Jesse. Every man to his tent, O Israel!" (2 Samuel 20:1). This declaration led many Israelites to abandon David and follow Sheba.

David's Response:
Recognizing the threat posed by Sheba's rebellion, David acted swiftly. He instructed Amasa, whom he had appointed as commander of the army in place of Joab, to assemble the men of Judah within three days to pursue Sheba. However, Amasa delayed, and David then turned to Abishai, saying, "Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he find fortified cities and escape from us" (2 Samuel 20:6).

Abishai's Pursuit:
Abishai, accompanied by Joab's men, the Kerethites, the Pelethites, and all the mighty warriors, set out in pursuit of Sheba. During the pursuit, Joab, who had been replaced by Amasa, took the opportunity to kill Amasa in a deceitful encounter, thus reclaiming his position as commander of the army.

The Siege of Abel Beth Maacah:
Sheba fled to the city of Abel Beth Maacah, where he sought refuge. Abishai and Joab's forces besieged the city, building a siege ramp against the outer wall. As they prepared to batter down the wall, a wise woman from the city called out to Joab, seeking to negotiate and prevent the destruction of the city. She said, "Listen to the words of your servant," and Joab agreed to listen (2 Samuel 20:16-17).

The woman proposed a peaceful resolution, asking Joab to identify the cause of the siege. Joab explained that they were only seeking Sheba, who had raised his hand against King David. The woman assured Joab that Sheba's head would be thrown over the wall to them. True to her word, the people of the city executed Sheba and threw his head to Joab, thus ending the rebellion.

Aftermath:
With Sheba's death, the rebellion was quashed, and Joab blew the trumpet to signal the end of the siege. The troops withdrew, and Joab returned to Jerusalem to report to King David. Abishai's role in the pursuit and siege demonstrated his loyalty and effectiveness as a military leader under David's command.

References:
· 2 Samuel 20:1-22 2 Samuel 20:1-22
And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Lord, fight for him!" Renan read it Yarebaal, from the Vulgate form Jerobaal, and
translated "He who fears Baal." Gideon signifies "He who overthrows" in the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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