(father of a gift ), The eldest of the three sons of Zeruiah, Davids sister, and brother to Joab and Asahel. ( 1 Chronicles 2:16 ) Like his two brothers he was the devoted follower of David. He was his companion in the desperate night expedition to the camp of Saul. ( 1 Samuel 26:6-9 ) (B.C. 1055.) On the outbreak of Absaloms rebellion he remained true to the king,a nd commanded a third part of the army in the decisive battle against Absalom. He rescued David from the hands of the gigantic Philistine, Ishbi-benob. ( 2 Samuel 21:17 ) His personal prowess on this, as on another occasion, when he fought singlehanded against three hundred, won for him a place as captain of the second three of Davids mighty men. ( 2 Samuel 23:18 ; 1 Chronicles 11:20 )