2 Samuel 8:18
Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites; and David's sons were priestly leaders.
Benaiah son of Jehoiada
Benaiah, whose name means "Yahweh has built," was a distinguished warrior and leader in King David's army. His father, Jehoiada, was a priest, indicating Benaiah's noble lineage and his upbringing in a God-fearing environment. Benaiah's role in David's administration highlights the importance of loyalty and valor in leadership. His life exemplifies how God raises individuals from devout backgrounds to positions of influence, emphasizing the value of faithfulness and courage.

was over the Cherethites and Pelethites
The Cherethites and Pelethites were elite groups of warriors who served as David's personal bodyguards. The Cherethites are often associated with the Philistines, possibly indicating a group that defected to serve David, while the Pelethites are less clearly defined but are thought to be a similar group. Benaiah's command over these groups underscores his trusted position and the strategic alliances David formed to secure his kingdom. This reflects the biblical theme of God using diverse peoples and backgrounds to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating the unity and strength found in God's kingdom.

and David’s sons were chief officials
David's sons serving as chief officials illustrates the dynastic nature of his reign and the importance of family in governance. This phrase suggests a structured administration where David's lineage played a significant role in the leadership of Israel. It highlights the biblical principle of legacy and the responsibility of passing down faith and leadership through generations. The involvement of David's sons in his government also serves as a reminder of the blessings and challenges of familial leadership, calling for wisdom and integrity in positions of power.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Benaiah son of Jehoiada
A valiant warrior and leader in King David's army, known for his loyalty and bravery. He was appointed over the Cherethites and Pelethites, elite groups serving as David's bodyguards.

2. Cherethites and Pelethites
These were groups of foreign mercenaries who served as David's personal guards. Their loyalty and skill were crucial to maintaining the security of the king.

3. David’s Sons
The verse mentions that David's sons were priests, which is an unusual role since the priesthood was typically reserved for the descendants of Aaron. This indicates a special status or honorary role within David's administration.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Loyalty
Benaiah's role exemplifies the importance of loyalty and trust in leadership. As Christians, we are called to be faithful and trustworthy in our roles, whether in the church or in our daily lives.

God's Sovereignty in Appointments
The appointment of David's sons as priests, despite the traditional lineage requirements, shows that God can establish roles and callings beyond human expectations. We should remain open to God's unique callings in our lives.

The Role of Community in Leadership
The Cherethites and Pelethites, though foreigners, were integral to David's reign. This highlights the value of diverse communities working together for a common purpose, reflecting the body of Christ's diversity.
Bible Study Questions
1. What qualities did Benaiah possess that made him a trusted leader in David's administration, and how can we cultivate similar qualities in our own lives?

2. How does the role of the Cherethites and Pelethites as David's guards illustrate the importance of community and teamwork in achieving God's purposes?

3. In what ways does the appointment of David's sons as priests challenge traditional roles, and how can this inform our understanding of God's calling in our lives today?

4. How can we apply the principle of loyalty and faithfulness, as demonstrated by Benaiah, in our relationships and responsibilities?

5. Reflect on a time when God called you to a role or task that seemed unconventional. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 18:17
This parallel passage also lists Benaiah and the Cherethites and Pelethites, reinforcing their importance in David's reign.

1 Kings 1:8, 1:32-38
Benaiah's loyalty to David is further demonstrated during the transition of power to Solomon, where he plays a key role in securing Solomon's kingship.

Exodus 28:1
The traditional role of priests is outlined, highlighting the unique mention of David's sons as priests in 2 Samuel 8:18.
David's Foreign WarsW. G. Blaikie, M. A.2 Samuel 8:1-18
The Victorious KingF. B. Meyer, B. A.2 Samuel 8:1-18
A Just Governor2 Samuel 8:15-18
Administration of the KingdomW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 8:15-18
David's AdministrationB. Dale 2 Samuel 8:15-18
People
Abiathar, Ahilud, Ahimelech, Ahitub, Amalek, Amalekites, Ammonites, Aram, Benaiah, Cherethites, David, Edomites, Hadadezer, Hadoram, Jehoiada, Jehoshaphat, Joab, Joram, Kerethites, Moabites, Pelethites, Rehob, Seraiah, Syrians, Tebah, Toi, Tou, Zadok, Zeruiah
Places
Amalek, Aram, Berothai, Betah, Damascus, Edom, Euphrates River, Hamath, Israel, Jerusalem, Metheg-ammah, Moab, Valley of Salt, Zobah
Topics
Advisers, Benaiah, Benai'ah, Cherethite, Cherethites, Cher'ethites, Chief, David, David's, Jehoiada, Jehoi'ada, Kerethites, Ministers, Pelethite, Pelethites, Pel'ethites, Priests, Royal, Rulers, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 8:1-18

     7236   Israel, united kingdom

Library
'More than Conquerors through Him'
'And the children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entering in of the gate: and the Syrians of Zoba, and of Rehob, and Ish-tob, and Maacah, were by themselves in the field. 9. When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians: 10. And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
Eighteen and a half centuries ago, and the land which now lies desolate--its bare, grey hills looking into ill-tilled or neglected valleys, its timber cut down, its olive- and vine-clad terraces crumbled into dust, its villages stricken with poverty and squalor, its thoroughfares insecure and deserted, its native population well-nigh gone, and with them its industry, wealth, and strength--presented a scene of beauty, richness, and busy life almost unsurpassed in the then known world. The Rabbis never
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The King --Continued.
The second event recorded as important in the bright early years is the great promise of the perpetuity of the kingdom in David's house. As soon as the king was firmly established and free from war, he remembered the ancient word which said, "When He giveth you rest from all your enemies round about, so that ye dwell in safety, then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to cause His name to dwell there" (Deut. xii. 10, 11). His own ease rebukes him; he regards his tranquillity
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient,
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

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

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