Benaiah, a notable figure in the Old Testament, is recognized primarily for his role as a priest during the reign of King David. His lineage and service are mentioned in various passages, highlighting his significance in the religious and political landscape of ancient Israel.

Lineage and Background

Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, a prominent priest. This lineage is significant as it places Benaiah within the Levitical priesthood, a tribe set apart for religious duties and service to the Lord. The priestly heritage of Benaiah underscores his role in maintaining the spiritual and ceremonial aspects of Israelite worship.

Role and Duties

Benaiah's responsibilities as a priest would have included performing sacrifices, maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle, and instructing the people in the Law of Moses. His priestly duties were crucial in upholding the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, ensuring that the people remained faithful to the commandments given to them.

Military Leadership

In addition to his priestly functions, Benaiah is also noted for his military prowess. He was one of David's mighty men, a group of elite warriors who played a critical role in securing and expanding David's kingdom. Benaiah's dual role as both a priest and a warrior is a testament to his versatility and dedication to serving God and king.

The Berean Standard Bible highlights Benaiah's valor in passages such as 2 Samuel 23:20-21: "Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant warrior 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. He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear."

Service Under Solomon

Benaiah's loyalty and competence were further recognized during the transition of power from David to Solomon. He played a pivotal role in securing Solomon's throne, acting decisively against those who threatened the new king's reign. As recorded in 1 Kings 2:35, "The king put Benaiah son of Jehoiada over the army in Joab’s place and appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place."

Legacy

Benaiah's legacy is one of faithfulness, courage, and dedication. His life exemplifies the harmonious blend of spiritual devotion and practical service, demonstrating that leadership in God's kingdom often requires both spiritual insight and decisive action. His account serves as an enduring example of how God equips His servants for diverse roles, enabling them to fulfill His purposes in their generation.1 Chronicles 15:24
And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow with the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obededom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 16:6
Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant of God.
Nave's Topical Index

How Solomon Became the Ruler of Israel
... But Zadok the priest and Benaiah and Nathan the prophet, as well as Shimei
and Rei and David's famous warriors, were not on his side. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/how solomon became the ruler.htm

David Appointing Solomon
... And king David said, Call me Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah
the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the king.33. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/david appointing solomon.htm

How Solomon, when He had Received the Kingdom Took Off His
... that he might marry Abishag; and that he had potent friends, Joab the captain of
the host, and Abiathar the priest. So he called for Benaiah, the captain of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how solomon when.htm

That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ...
... many joyful sounds of instruments, and wish that his kingdom may last for ever;
but he hath not invited me, nor Zadok the high priest, nor Benaiah the captain ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 that david made.htm

How the Hebrews were Delivered from a Famine when the Gibeonites ...
... The fifth of these was Benaiah, by lineage a priest; for being challenged by [two]
eminent men in the country of Moab, he overcame them by his valor, Moreover ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how the hebrews.htm

The Horns of the Altar
... preferred by Joab, the captain of the host, and by Abiathar, the priest; and, therefore ...
Then Solomn sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall upon him. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the horns of the altar.htm

The History of David
... them he said that Solomon should be king, and ordained that he should be set on
his mule by his prophets Nathan, Zadok the priest and Benaiah, and brought in ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... high priest, together with Abiathar, for he was his friend. He also made Seisan
the scribe, and committed the command over the guards of his body to Benaiah; ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... mercenaries and their predominance in the state: the origin of the XXIInd (Bubastite)
dynasty"Sheshonq I. as king and his son Auputi as high priest of Amon ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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