Zeru'iah is a significant yet somewhat enigmatic figure in the Old Testament, primarily known as the mother of three of King David's most prominent military leaders: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Her name appears frequently in the context of her sons' exploits, underscoring her importance in the narrative of David's reign. Zeru'iah is mentioned in several books of the Bible, including 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 1 Chronicles.

Family Background and Lineage

Zeru'iah was the sister of David, making her a member of the tribe of Judah and part of the royal family. Her father was Jesse, the Bethlehemite, who had eight sons, including David, the youngest. The Bible does not provide the name of Zeru'iah's husband, which is unusual given the prominence of her sons. This omission has led to various interpretations, with some suggesting that her husband's identity was either not significant to the narrative or that she was a widow who raised her sons independently.

Sons of Zeru'iah

1. Joab: The most prominent of Zeru'iah's sons, Joab served as the commander of David's army. He was a skilled and ruthless military leader, known for his strategic acumen and fierce loyalty to David. Joab's actions, however, were often controversial. He played a key role in the murder of Abner (2 Samuel 3:27) and later killed Absalom, David's rebellious son, against the king's explicit orders (2 Samuel 18:14-15). Despite his loyalty, Joab's violent methods and political maneuvering eventually led to his downfall.

2. Abishai: The eldest son of Zeru'iah, Abishai was also a formidable warrior and a close ally of David. He is noted for his bravery and was one of David's "mighty men." Abishai accompanied David on several critical missions, including the daring raid into Saul's camp (1 Samuel 26:6-9) and the battle against the Philistines where he saved David from being killed by a giant (2 Samuel 21:17).

3. Asahel: The youngest of Zeru'iah's sons, Asahel was known for his swiftness and agility. He met an untimely death at the hands of Abner during the battle at Gibeon (2 Samuel 2:18-23). Asahel's death was a catalyst for further conflict between Joab and Abner, which had significant implications for the power dynamics within Israel.

Zeru'iah's Influence

While Zeru'iah herself is not described in detail, her influence is evident through her sons, who played crucial roles in the establishment and consolidation of David's kingdom. The repeated reference to her as "Zeru'iah's sons" rather than by their father's name suggests a matriarchal prominence, highlighting her status and possibly her character. Her sons' loyalty to David and their military prowess reflect the values and upbringing they likely received from her.

Biblical References

Zeru'iah is mentioned in several passages, often in relation to her sons' actions. Some key references include:

· 1 Samuel 26:6: "Then David asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, 'Who will go down with me to Saul’s camp?' 'I will go with you,' answered Abishai."
· 2 Samuel 2:18: "The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. And Asahel was as fleet-footed as a wild gazelle."
· 2 Samuel 3:39: "And today, though I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these sons of Zeruiah are too strong for me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according to his evil!"

Zeru'iah's legacy is thus intertwined with the history of Israel's monarchy, as her sons' actions significantly impacted the course of David's reign and the future of the nation.Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)

1 Samuel 26:6
Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying: 'Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp?' And Abishai said: 'I will go down with thee.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 2:13
And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out; and they met together by the pool of Gibeon, and sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 2:18
And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel; and Asahel was as light of foot as one of the roes that are in the field.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 3:39
And I am this day weak, and just anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah are too hard for me; the LORD reward the evildoer according to his wickedness.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 8:16
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 14:1
Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 16:9
Then said Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto the king: 'Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 16:10
And the king said: 'What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him: Curse David; who then shall say: Wherefore hast thou done so?'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 17:25
And Absalom had set Amasa over the host instead of Joab. Now Amasa was the son of a man, whose name was Ithra the Jesraelite, that went in to Abigal the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 18:2
And David sent forth the people, a third part under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the people: 'I will surely go forth with you myself also.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 19:21
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said: 'Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 19:22
And David said: 'What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 21:17
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David swore unto him, saying: 'Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the lamp of Israel.'
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 23:18
And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them, and had a name among the three.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 23:37
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armour-bearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah;
(See RSV)

1 Kings 1:7
And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest; and they following Adonijah helped him.
(See RSV)

1 Kings 2:22
And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother: 'And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.'
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 2:16
And their sisters were Zeruiah and Abigail. And the sons of Zeruiah: Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 11:6
And David said: 'Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.' And Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 11:39
Zelek the Ammonite, Nahrai the Berothite, the armour-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 18:12
Moreover Abishai the son of Zeruiah smote of the Edomites in the Valley of Salt eighteen thousand.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 18:15
And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 26:28
And all that Samuel the seer, and Saul the son of Kish, and Abner the son of Ner, and Joab the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under the hand of Shelomith, and of his brethren.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 27:24
Joab the son of Zeruiah began to number, but finished not; and there came wrath for this upon Israel; neither was the number put into the account in the chronicles of king David.
(See RSV)

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 ...
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Zeruiah (25 Occurrences)

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Zeruiah's (1 Occurrence)

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