Characters in the Drama

It can be confusing to keep track of all the characters introduced in the first few chapters of 2 Samuel. Here is some help.

Character

Relation

Position

Whose Side?

Joab

Son of Zeruiah, David's half sister

One of David's military leaders and, later, commander in chief

David's

Abner

Saul's cousin

Saul's commander in chief

Saul and Ishbosheth's, but made overtures to David

Abishai

Joab's brother

High officer in David's army—chief of "the Three"

Joab and David's

Asahel

Joab and Abishai's brother

High officer—one of David's 30 select warriors ("mighty men")

Joab and David's

Ishbosheth

Saul's son

Saul and Abner's selection as king

Saul's