Topical Bible: Lion: Killed by Benaiah

◄ Lion: Killed by Benaiah ►

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Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, is a notable figure in the Old Testament, recognized for his extraordinary acts of bravery and loyalty. Among his remarkable feats, the slaying of a lion stands out as a testament to his courage and strength. This event is recorded in the historical context of King David's reign, where Benaiah served as a valiant warrior and later as a chief officer under King Solomon.

The account of Benaiah killing a lion is found in 2 Samuel 23:20 and 1 Chronicles 11:22. The Berean Standard Bible provides a vivid description of this event: "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" (2 Samuel 23:20).

This passage highlights several key aspects of Benaiah's character and the significance of his actions:

1. Valiant Warrior: Benaiah is introduced as a "valiant warrior," indicating his reputation and prowess in battle. His lineage as the son of Jehoiada, a priest, suggests a background of both spiritual and martial discipline.

2. Courage and Initiative: The act of going "down into a pit" to confront a lion demonstrates Benaiah's courage and willingness to face danger head-on. The detail of it being a "snowy day" adds to the perilous nature of the encounter, as adverse weather conditions would have made the task even more challenging.

3. Symbol of Divine Favor: In the biblical narrative, acts of bravery and victory over formidable foes often symbolize divine favor and empowerment. Benaiah's triumph over the lion can be seen as an indication of God's blessing upon his life and his role within the kingdom of Israel.

4. Foreshadowing Leadership: Benaiah's exploits, including the slaying of the lion, foreshadow his future leadership roles. He eventually becomes the commander of David's bodyguard and later the head of the army under Solomon, reflecting the trust and esteem he earned through his deeds.

Benaiah's encounter with the lion is more than a mere tale of heroism; it serves as an illustration of faith, courage, and divine providence. His actions are celebrated as part of the larger narrative of God's unfolding plan for Israel, where individuals are called to rise above fear and demonstrate unwavering commitment to their God-given missions.

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2 Samuel 23:20
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lion like men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the middle of a pit in time of snow:
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The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... retreat, but a Kenite named Jael, the wife of Heber, traitorously killed him with
a ... It bore out well its character""Dan is a lion's whelp that leapeth forth ...
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