What lessons on courage can we learn from Benaiah's actions in this verse? Setting the Scene Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, stands among David’s “mighty men.” 1 Chronicles 11:23 records: “And he struck down an Egyptian who was five cubits tall. Though the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver's beam in his hand, Benaiah went down to him with a staff, snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear.” This single verse pictures a man who met an outsized threat with unflinching courage. Facing Giants Without Fear • The Egyptian towered almost eight feet tall, armed with an enormous spear. • Benaiah advanced anyway. He mirrored the faith David showed against Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45). • Psalm 27:1 declares, “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” Courage is never the absence of danger; it is confidence rooted in God’s presence. Trusting God’s Strength, Not Our Weapons • Benaiah carried only a staff, yet he confronted a heavily armed warrior. • Scripture repeatedly stresses reliance on the LORD, not on human armaments (Psalm 20:7; 2 Chronicles 20:15). • Joshua 1:9 reminds, “Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God is with you.” Benaiah lived that promise. Resourcefulness Under Pressure • He “snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand” and turned the enemy’s weapon against him. • God often supplies victory through creativity and quick thinking, not just brute force (Judges 7:16-22; 1 Samuel 14:6-14). • Ephesians 6:10-11 urges believers to “put on the full armor of God.” Spiritual resourcefulness parallels Benaiah’s tactical ingenuity. Courage Fueled by Loyalty • Benaiah’s deeds secured David’s kingdom. Loyalty to God’s anointed king shaped his boldness (2 Samuel 23:21-23). • Faithful service produces courageous acts; allegiance to Christ today inspires similar bravery (Colossians 3:23-24). Contagious Confidence: Courage That Inspires Others • Benaiah’s exploits—killing a lion in a pit on a snowy day (11:22) and overcoming this giant—encouraged fellow warriors. • Courage spreads: “Be on the alert… stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). One bold believer can ignite an entire community. Putting It into Practice Today • Identify the “giants” confronting you—cultural pressures, personal sin, daunting tasks. • Stand firm, recalling Romans 8:37: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” • Depend on the Lord’s presence, use the tools He provides—even unexpected ones—and step forward. As with Benaiah, God delights to honor courage that rests in Him. |
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