The Third Instance of Devotedness

The third instance recorded of Abishai's devotedness is found in 2 Sam. 21:15-17.
Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint. And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succored him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.
From the context I would gather that David was perhaps sixty years old at this battle, and so it is small wonder that he waxed faint. But if we remember that Abishai was little, if any, younger than he, our hearts would rejoice to see that the years had not changed his love for David. What a testimony it is to young people to see older ones going on with real affection for the Lord Jesus, and that it is manifest in their life and ways!
Remember, too, that this enemy was a giant, the brother of Goliath. Perhaps Abishai's thoughts went back to that time when, as a youth, David had fearlessly gone out against Goliath and all Israel had fled before him. Whatever might have been the thoughts of his heart, we find that he is once again heedless of personal danger to himself in his defense of David.
Having established the fact that Abishai's affections had been truly won by David, I think we find it very significant that Abishai's natural tendencies were so effectively curbed by a word from his lord. In the aforementioned reference to Abishai's willingness to go down to the camp of King Saul, we find that Abishai is all too ready to smite the king. "And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless?" 1 Sam. 26:9. One short admonition from David was sufficient to keep him from his natural tendency.
Again we see in the case of Shimei, who cursed David when he fled from Absalom, how Abishai seeks to right the wrong done to David. "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." 2 Sam. 16:9. He lacked understanding of the government of God to which David was willing to submit, and his hot temper would have prompted him to cut off Shimei's head.
David responds, "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." v. 11. We find that Abishai submits to David's wishes. Once again, on David's return, Abishai is anxious to avenge his lord's maltreatment from Shimei. Yet, he submits again to David's will that Shimei not be put to death.
What a beautiful picture we have in all this of a man whose "beliefs influenced his life." He loved David, and was willing to submit his hot temper and hasty spirit to David's will. What an example for ourselves who have a much higher object.
David, though he was God's anointed, was still a failing man himself. The Lord whom we know is not only God's anointed One, but also God incarnate, perfect in wisdom, power and love. His will is always best for us. Has His love won our hearts? Do we believe that He knows best and wants the best for us? Are we willing to submit our rebellious spirits to His perfect will? If so, we too will know what is "that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." Rom. 12:2.