Overview
The Bible addresses zeruiah across 7 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Closely related themes include Meekness, Shimei, Abner and Abishai. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Abishai, Joab, Asahel and David.
Key Bible verses about zeruiah
Old Testament
2 Samuel
And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe. of foot: Heb. of his feet as a wild: Heb. as one of the roes that is in the field
And I am this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah be too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness. weak: Heb. tender
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.
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 shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?
And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.
And Absalom made Amasa captain of the host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man's son, whose name was Ithra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah Joab's mother.
People in the Bible and zeruiah
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying zeruiah for yourself
- Begin with 2 Samuel 2:18, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Abishai, Joab and Asahel and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Meekness, Shimei, Abner and Abishai.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about zeruiah?
The Bible addresses zeruiah across 7 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles. Closely related themes include Meekness, Shimei, Abner and Abishai. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Abishai, Joab, Asahel and David.
How many Bible verses are about zeruiah?
The Bible references zeruiah in 7 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention zeruiah?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is 2 Samuel 2:18: “And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe. of foot: Heb. of his feet as a wild: Heb. as one of the roes that is in the field”
Which people in the Bible are associated with zeruiah?
Abishai, Joab, Asahel, David and Absalom.
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