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Benaiah

Portrait of Benaiah

Benaiah son of Jehoiada was one of David's mightiest warriors, renowned for slaying two lion-like men of Moab, killing a lion in a pit on a snowy day, and striking down a giant Egyptian with his own spear. He commanded David's bodyguard, stayed loyal during Adonijah's plot, and under Solomon executed the king's judgments and rose to command the entire army.

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Biography

Occupation
Warrior, Commander of the army
Father
Jehoiada
Era
United Kingdom
Nationality
Israelite

Family

Parents
Jehoiada
โ†“
Benaiah
Old Testament 2 Samuel Warrior

Did You Know?

1

Benaiah's exploits read like legend: he killed two 'lionlike' champions of Moab, struck down an Egyptian giant with the man's own spear, and 'went down and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow' (2 Samuel 23:20).

2

He commanded David's elite bodyguard, the Cherethites and Pelethites, and his lifelong loyalty was rewarded when Solomon made him commander-in-chief of the entire army.

3

Benaiah was the man Solomon entrusted to carry out the executions that secured his throne, making him both the mightiest warrior and the chief enforcer of the new king's justice.

Key Chapters

Key Passages

Benaiah's Mighty Deeds

2 Samuel 23:20-23

Benaiah's legendary exploits earn him a place among David's honored warriors and command of the guard.

A20nd Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:

21 And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptianโ€™s hand, and slew him with his own spear. 22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men. 23 He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.

Read full chapter: 2 Samuel 23 โ†’

Commander Under Solomon

1 Kings 2:34-35

Solomon sets Benaiah over the army in Joab's place, rewarding his lifelong loyalty.

S34o Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up, and fell upon him, and slew him: and he was buried in his own house in the wilderness.

35 And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.

Read full chapter: 1 Kings 2 โ†’