David: Anointed Warrior Part 6: Abishai

I have always been fascinated with the two brothers, Abishai and Joab, key characters in the narrative of David. Their stories are very tightly woven throughout the life of David, being not only his nephews, but also both being among  his top military men. While Joab became David’s military commander, Abishai earned the honor of being the leader of the second set of David’s elite warriors, and also the commander of the 30. Their brother Asahel, who would later be killed by Abner in battle, was also listed as one of the mighty men.

As you watch the video, think about the question, “What does it really mean to wait upon the Lord?” Abishai is read by Logan Wilson. For Lesson Plans for this session, CLICK HERE!

(15:07)

Scriptures

1 Samuel 22:1-5, 23:14-28, 24, 26,1 Chronicles 11: 10-47, Psalm 57

Discussion Questions:

1. What kind of man was Abishai? Was he a good addition to David’s Mighty Men? Why or why not?

2. Read 1 Chronicles 11: 10-47,  the list of David’s Mighty men out loud. What more do we now know about Abishai?

3. What new things did we learn about David from this narrative? What kind of things did David do in the stronghold?

4. Why did Yahweh allow David to live in the wilderness for years?

5. What does this quote from Rick Joyner mean,  “It is a spiritual principle, that between the time that a promise is given and the fulfillment of that promise, there is a spiritual wilderness in between.”

6. How did living in the strongholds prepare David to be a great king?David was being trained in the wilderness to wait and trust in God completely, and so were the rest of David’s mighty men and their families. What else was God teaching David during this period in the wilderness?

7. David and his men, including Abishai,  remained loyal, and waited on the Lord with him for years before he became king. What does it mean to wait on the Lord? Is that the same thing as patience?  Find a verse in the scriptures that talks about waiting on the Lord. Bring that scripture to the group to share next week. Waiting on the Lord is knowing you have a promise from God, and believing in faith it will come about in due time, all the while enduring the wilderness in between the giving of the promise and the fulfilling of it. 

Prayer for Safety from EnemiesTo the Chief Musician. Set to“Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David when he fled from Saul into the cave. Psalm 57

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!

For my soul trusts in You;

And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge,

Until these calamities have passed byI will cry out to God Most High,

To God who performs all things for me.

He shall send from heaven and save me;

He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. Selah

God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.My soul is among lions;

I lie among the sons of men  Who are set on fire,

Whose teeth are spears and arrows,

And their tongue a sharp sword Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

Let Your glory be above all the earthThey have prepared a net for my steps;

My soul is bowed down;

They have dug a pit before me;

Into the midst of it they themselves have fallen. Selah. My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast.I will sing and give praise. Awake, my glory!

Awake, lute and harp!

I will awaken the dawn.I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;

I will sing to You among the nations.For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,

And Your truth unto the clouds.Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;

Let Your glory be above all the earth.