What can we learn from Benaiah's actions about faith in God's plan? Benaiah’s Snapshot (1 Chronicles 11:22-24) “Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant man… He struck down two mighty warriors of Moab; and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. He also struck down an Egyptian who was five cubits tall… These were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who won a name among the three mighty men.” A Faith That Looks Past the Odds • Two Moabite champions, a lion in a pit, and a giant Egyptian all out-matched Benaiah in human terms. • Faith trusts that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26) even when the situation appears lopsided. • Hebrews 11:33-34 applauds those “who through faith… shut the mouths of lions… whose weakness was turned to strength.” Benaiah lives out that description centuries earlier. A Faith That Chooses Action, Not Passivity • The lion was cornered in a pit. Benaiah could have walked away. Instead, he chose to confront danger rather than let danger roam free. • James 2:17 reminds us that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Benaiah’s deeds give evidence that living faith moves feet and swings swords. A Faith That Accepts God-Planned Adversity • “On a snowy day” tells us the ground was slippery and visibility poor—hardly ideal combat conditions. • True faith doesn’t wait for perfect circumstances. It says with Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” • Adverse settings become arenas where God’s sufficiency shines. A Faith That Honors God’s Cause Above Self-Protection • Each feat protected Israel from threats—Moabite raiders, a roaming lion, a hostile Egyptian. • Faithful servants count God’s people and God’s reputation worth the risk (1 Samuel 17:26; Philippians 1:20). A Faith That Receives God’s Promotion • Because of these exploits, David placed Benaiah over his personal bodyguard (1 Chronicles 11:25). • Years later Solomon made him commander of the entire army (1 Kings 2:35). • 1 Peter 5:6 echoes the pattern: “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you at the proper time.” A Faith That Foreshadows the Greater Deliverer • Benaiah—“Yahweh builds”—points to the Messiah who would crush the ultimate enemy (Genesis 3:15). • Jesus, the Lion of Judah, faced death itself and emerged victorious (Revelation 5:5). Benaiah’s lion-slaying courage anticipates Christ’s triumph. Putting It All Together • Believe God over circumstances. • Act on that belief even when conditions are bleak. • Embrace assignments that safeguard God’s people. • Trust God to advance and reward in His timing. • Fix eyes on Christ, the perfect model and fulfillment of courageous faith. |
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