Joab saw that there were enemies in front of him and behind him. So Joab chose some of the best Israelite soldiers and lined them up for battle against the Arameans.
{David separated the people into three groups.} And then David sent the people out. Joab led one third of the people. Joab’s brother, Abishai son of Zeruiah led another third of the people. And Ittai from Gath led the last third of the people.
Abishai was the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah. Abishai was the leader of the Three Heroes. [154] Abishai used his spear against 300 {enemies} and killed them. He became as famous as the Three.