2:16 Abigail. Another of David’s sisters, Abigail, was the mother of Amasa, who became Absalom’s general when Absalom rebelled against David. See II Samuel 17:25. However, Abigail was only a half-sister to David. Amasa’s father Jether is called both an Israelite and an Ishmaelite, indicating either that he was of mixed parentage or else that he was an Ishmaelite proselyte to Israel’s faith.

2:16 three. It is noteworthy that three of David’s most conspicuous generals were his own nephews. Abishai, Joab and Asahel were all sons of his sister Zeruiah. Note II Samuel 2:18.