And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. And Benaiah son of JehoiadaBenaiah, whose name means "Yahweh has built," is introduced as the son of Jehoiada. This lineage is significant, as Jehoiada was a priest, indicating Benaiah's noble and devout heritage. In the Hebrew context, names often reflect character or destiny, and Benaiah's name suggests divine favor and strength. His father, Jehoiada, being a priest, implies that Benaiah was raised with a strong spiritual foundation, which likely influenced his courage and faith in God. was a valiant warrior
The term "valiant warrior" in Hebrew is "gibbor chayil," which conveys not just physical strength but also bravery and moral integrity. Benaiah's valor is not merely in his physical prowess but in his righteous character. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a warrior's valor was often seen as a reflection of divine blessing and favor. Benaiah's courage and strength are seen as gifts from God, enabling him to perform mighty deeds. from Kabzeel
Kabzeel was a town in the southern part of Judah, near the border with Edom. Its mention highlights Benaiah's roots in the tribe of Judah, the same tribe as King David. This geographical detail situates Benaiah within the broader narrative of Israel's history and God's covenant with Judah. Kabzeel's location on the frontier suggests a rugged upbringing, possibly contributing to Benaiah's toughness and resilience. a man of many exploits
The phrase "many exploits" underscores Benaiah's numerous acts of bravery and heroism. The Hebrew word "ma'aseh" implies deeds or works, often with a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Benaiah's life was marked by significant achievements, reflecting his dedication and commitment to God's purposes. His exploits serve as a testament to his faith and the divine empowerment he received to fulfill his role in Israel's history. He struck down two champions of Moab
The "two champions of Moab" refers to formidable warriors, possibly giants or renowned fighters. Moab was a frequent adversary of Israel, and defeating their champions would have been a significant military and symbolic victory. This act demonstrates Benaiah's exceptional combat skills and his role in securing Israel's safety and sovereignty. It also reflects the ongoing conflict between Israel and its neighbors, highlighting the need for strong, God-fearing leaders. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day
This vivid imagery of Benaiah descending into a pit on a snowy day to face a lion speaks to his extraordinary courage and determination. The pit represents a place of danger and entrapment, while the snow adds an element of harshness and challenge. This scenario illustrates Benaiah's willingness to confront fearsome challenges head-on, trusting in God's protection and strength. It serves as a metaphor for facing life's trials with faith and courage. and killed a lion
Killing a lion was a remarkable feat, symbolizing triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds. In the biblical context, lions often represent danger and power, and defeating one signifies divine empowerment and victory. Benaiah's success in this endeavor highlights his reliance on God and his ability to overcome great challenges. This act of bravery is a testament to his faith and serves as an inspiration for believers to trust in God's strength in the face of adversity. Persons / Places / Events 1. BenaiahA valiant warrior and son of Jehoiada, known for his bravery and significant exploits. He later became a chief officer in King David's army and Solomon's commander. 2. JehoiadaThe father of Benaiah, possibly a priest, indicating a lineage of both spiritual and physical strength. 3. KabzeelA town in the southern part of Judah, Benaiah's hometown, suggesting his roots in a region known for its warriors. 4. MoabA neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel, representing external threats and challenges. 5. The Lion in the PitSymbolizes a formidable challenge or danger that Benaiah faced and overcame, demonstrating his courage and God's deliverance. Teaching Points Courage in AdversityBenaiah's actions teach us the importance of facing our fears and challenges head-on, trusting in God's strength to overcome them. Faithfulness in Small and Great TasksWhether fighting Moabite champions or a lion, Benaiah's faithfulness in all tasks set before him is a model for believers to be diligent in both small and great responsibilities. God's EmpowermentBenaiah's victories remind us that God empowers His people to accomplish what seems impossible, encouraging us to rely on His strength rather than our own. Legacy of Faith and ValorBenaiah's account encourages us to leave a legacy of faith and valor, impacting future generations through our actions and character. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Benaiah's courage in facing the lion inspire you to confront your own fears or challenges? 2. In what ways can you demonstrate faithfulness in both small and significant tasks in your life, as Benaiah did? 3. How does understanding Benaiah's background and lineage (son of Jehoiada from Kabzeel) enhance your appreciation of his character and actions? 4. What are some "lions" or formidable challenges in your life that you need to face with God's strength? 5. How can Benaiah's account encourage you to leave a legacy of faith and valor for those who come after you? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Chronicles 11:22-25This passage parallels 2 Samuel 23:20, providing additional context about Benaiah's exploits and his role among David's mighty men. Proverbs 28:1This verse speaks to the boldness of the righteous, which can be seen in Benaiah's fearless actions. 1 Peter 5:8The lion is often a symbol of danger or the devil, reminding believers to be vigilant and courageous in spiritual battles. People Abialbon, Abiel, Abiezer, Abishai, Adino, Agee, Ahasbai, Ahiam, Ahithophel, Anathoth, Ariel, Asahel, Azmaveth, Baanah, Bani, Benaiah, Benjamin, Benjaminites, David, Dodai, Dodo, Eleazar, Elhanan, Eliahba, Eliam, Elika, Eliphelet, Gareb, Heldai, Heleb, Helez, Hezrai, Hezro, Hiddai, Igal, Ikkesh, Ira, Ithai, Ittai, Jacob, Jashen, Jehoiada, Jesse, Joab, Jonathan, Maharai, Mebunnai, Naharai, Nahari, Nathan, Paarai, Ribai, Shammah, Sharar, Sibbecai, Uriah, Zalmon, Zelek, ZeruiahPlaces Adullam, Anathoth, Bahurim, Beeroth, Bethlehem, Carmel, Gaash, Gath, Gibeah, Gilo, Harod, Jerusalem, Kabzeel, Lehi, Maacah, Moab, Netophah, Pirathon, Tekoa, Valley of Rephaim, ZobahTopics Acts, Altar-hearths, Ariel, Ariels, Benaiah, Benai'ah, Best, Death, Deeds, Doer, Exploits, Fallen, Fighter, Fighting, Hole, Jehoiada, Jehoi'ada, Kabzeel, Killed, Lion, Lionlike, Lion-like, Lions, Middle, Midst, Mighty, Moab, Moab's, Performed, Pit, Slew, Smitten, Smote, Snow, Snowy, Sons, Struck, Valiant, ValourDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Samuel 23:20 4257 pit
4849 snow
5956 strength, human 2 Samuel 23:8-21 5776 achievement 2 Samuel 23:8-23 1652 numbers, 3-5 2 Samuel 23:8-39 5544 soldiers 2 Samuel 23:20-39 5087 David, reign of Library The Dying King's Last vision and Psalm
'Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, 2. The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and His word was in my tongue. 3. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 4. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureA Libation to Jehovah
'And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth-lehem, which is by the gate! 16. And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth-lehem, that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the Lord. 17. And he said, Be it far from me, O Lord, that I should do this; is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Royal Jubilee
[Footnote: Preached on the occasion of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.] '... He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 4. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain.'--2 SAMUEL xxiii. 3, 4. One of the Psalms ascribed to David sounds like the resolves of a new monarch on his accession. In it the Psalmist draws the ideal of a king, and says such …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture David's Dying Song
We shall notice first, that the Psalmist had sorrow in his house--" Although my house be not so with God." Secondly, he had confidence in the covenant--" yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant." And thirdly, he had satisfaction in his heart, for he says--" this is all my salvation, and all my desire. I. The Psalmist says he had sorrow in his house--"Although my house be not so with God." What man is there of all our race, who, if he had to write his history, would not need to use a great …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855 Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example.
God's procedure when imitable forms a peculiar argument for duty. That is made known for many reasons; among which must stand this,--that it may be observed and followed as an example. That, being perfect, is a safe and necessary pattern to follow. The law of God proclaims what he wills men as well as angels to do. The purposes of God show what he has resolved to have accomplished. The constitutions of his moral subjects intimate that he has provided that his will shall be voluntarily accomplished …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Christian's Book
Scripture references 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; John 5:39; Romans 15:4; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70; 24:32,45; John 2:22; 10:35; 19:36; Acts 1:16; Romans 1:1,2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; James 2:8. WHAT IS THE BIBLE? What is the Bible? How shall we regard it? Where shall we place it? These and many questions like them at once come to the front when we begin to discuss the Bible as a book. It is only possible in this brief study, of a great subject, to indicate the line of some of the answers. …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness, or the Beatifick vision.
SO long as we are in the Body, we are apt to be governed wholly by its senses, seldom or never minding any thing but what comes to us through one or other of them. Though we are all able to abstract our Thoughts when we please from matter, and fix them upon things that are purely spiritual; there are but few that ever do it. But few, even among those also that have such things revealed to them by God himself, and so have infinitely more and firmer ground to believe them, than any one, or all their …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life The Truth of God
The next attribute is God's truth. A God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is he.' Deut 32:4. For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.' Psa 57:10. Plenteous in truth.' Psa 86:15. I. God is the truth. He is true in a physical sense; true in his being: he has a real subsistence, and gives a being to others. He is true in a moral sense; he is true sine errore, without errors; et sine fallacia, without deceit. God is prima veritas, the pattern and prototype …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
Since every revealed purpose of God, implying that obedience to his law will be given, is a demand of that obedience, the announcement of his Covenant, as in his sovereignty decreed, claims, not less effectively than an explicit law, the fulfilment of its duties. A representation of a system of things pre-determined in order that the obligations of the Covenant might be discharged; various exhibitions of the Covenant as ordained; and a description of the children of the Covenant as predestinated …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prophets and Apostles.
The work of the Holy Spirit in apostles and prophets is an entirely distinctive work. He imparts to apostles and prophets an especial gift for an especial purpose. We read in 1 Cor. xii. 4, 8-11, 28, 29, R. V., "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.... For to one is given through the Spirit wisdom; and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another faith, in the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, in the one Spirit; and to another workings …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
Ver. 20. "And Noah began and became an husbandman, and planted vineyards."--This does not imply that Noah was the first who began to till the ground, and, more especially, to cultivate the vine; for Cain, too, was a tiller of the ground, Gen. iv. 2. The sense rather is, that Noah, after the flood, again took up this calling. Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. By this remark, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Deity of the Holy Spirit.
In the preceding chapter we have seen clearly that the Holy Spirit is a Person. But what sort of a Person is He? Is He a finite person or an infinite person? Is He God? This question also is plainly answered in the Bible. There are in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments five distinct and decisive lines of proof of the Deity of the Holy Spirit. I. Each of the four distinctively Divine attributes is ascribed to the Holy Spirit. What are the distinctively Divine attributes? Eternity, omnipresence, …
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit How is Christ, as the Life, to be Applied by a Soul that Misseth God's Favour and Countenance.
The sixth case, that we shall speak a little to, is a deadness, occasioned by the Lord's hiding of himself, who is their life, and "the fountain of life," Ps. xxxvi. 9, and "whose loving-kindness is better than life," Ps. lxiii. 3, and "in whose favour is their life," Ps. xxx. 5. A case, which the frequent complaints of the saints manifest to be rife enough, concerning which we shall, 1. Shew some of the consequences of the Lord's hiding his face, whereby the soul's case will appear. 2. Shew the …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Thoughts Upon the Mystery of the Trinity.
THOUGH there be many in the World that seem to be Religious, there are but few that are so: One great Reason whereof is, because there are so many Mistakes about Religion, that it is an hard matter to hit upon the true Notion of it: And therefore desiring nothing in this World, so much as to be an Instrument in God's Hand to direct Men unto true Religion, my great Care must, and, by the Blessing of God, shall be to instil into them right Conceptions of him, that is the only Object of all Religious …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Samuel 23:20 NIV2 Samuel 23:20 NLT2 Samuel 23:20 ESV2 Samuel 23:20 NASB2 Samuel 23:20 KJV
2 Samuel 23:20 Commentaries
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