Son of David’s sister Zeruiah, and brother of Joab. He was one of David’s officers and served him many years. He accompanied David into Saul’s camp while he slept (1 Sam. 26:6-9). With Joab he slew Abner (2 Sam. 3:30). In his zeal for David he asked permission to slay Shimei (2 Sam. 16:9; 19:21). In the rebellion of Absalom he commanded a third of David’s army (2 Sam. 18:2). He rescued David from Ishbibenob the giant (2 Sam. 21:17). He was captain of the second three of David’s mighty men, and slew three hundred men (2 Sam. 23:18). To him is attributed the slaughter of eighteen thousand Syrians or Edomites in the valley of salt (1 Chron. 18:12; 2 Sam. 8:13).