Topical Bible: Kings: Attended by a Body-Guard

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In the biblical narrative, the role of a king was not only to govern and lead the people but also to ensure his own safety and the stability of his reign. The presence of a bodyguard or personal guard for kings is a recurring theme in the Scriptures, highlighting the importance of protection and loyalty in the ancient Near Eastern monarchies.

David and His Mighty Men

King David, one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, was attended by a group of elite warriors known as "David's Mighty Men." These men were renowned for their bravery and loyalty, serving as both protectors and military leaders. The Berean Standard Bible describes these men in 2 Samuel 23:8-39, detailing their heroic deeds and their dedication to David. Among them were Josheb-Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah, who performed extraordinary feats in battle, demonstrating their commitment to the king.

Solomon's Bodyguard

King Solomon, David's son and successor, also maintained a bodyguard. In 1 Kings 1:38, the BSB mentions Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a key figure in Solomon's rise to power, who was appointed over the king's bodyguard. Benaiah was a valiant warrior and a trusted advisor, playing a crucial role in securing Solomon's throne during the transition of power from David.

The Role of the Cherethites and Pelethites

The Cherethites and Pelethites were groups that served as part of the royal bodyguard during the reigns of David and Solomon. These groups are mentioned in 2 Samuel 8:18 and 1 Kings 1:38 , indicating their function as protectors of the king. Their presence underscores the need for a reliable and skilled force to ensure the king's safety and the continuity of the monarchy.

The Guard of the House of the Forest of Lebanon

Solomon's wealth and wisdom are well-documented, and his reign was marked by peace and prosperity. The House of the Forest of Lebanon, a part of Solomon's palace complex, housed his armory and was guarded by a select group of men. 1 Kings 10:17 notes that Solomon made three hundred small shields of hammered gold, which were placed in the House of the Forest of Lebanon, symbolizing the strength and protection afforded to the king.

The Importance of Loyalty and Protection

Throughout the biblical accounts, the presence of a bodyguard for the king emphasizes the importance of loyalty and protection in maintaining the stability of the kingdom. The bodyguard was not merely a ceremonial unit but a vital component of the king's security apparatus. The loyalty of these guards was paramount, as they were entrusted with the king's life and the defense of the realm.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of kings attended by a bodyguard reflects the historical and cultural realities of ancient monarchies, where the safety of the ruler was crucial for the governance and continuity of the nation. The accounts of David, Solomon, and their respective guards illustrate the significance of having a dedicated and trustworthy group of warriors to protect the king and uphold the kingdom's stability.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 13:2
Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.
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2 Samuel 8:18
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.
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1 Chronicles 11:25
Behold, he was honorable among the thirty, but attained not to the first three: and David set him over his guard.
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2 Chronicles 12:10
Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king's house.
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Library

Ephesians iv. 3-Jan
... chariots and arrayed in gold, and their body-guard with every ... than they which are
with them;" (2 Kings 6:16 ... this so great a band of Angels attended Elisha what ...
/.../homily ix ephesians iv 3-jan.htm

The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot
... What is the smoke that has attended the Church ... present know the valor of the Lord's
body-guard, but when ... and his feet stand upon Mount Olivet; kings and princes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the royal pair in their.htm

An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I.
... For like kings from some royal court, even so did those children come forth ... But
frequently now when we see a king, attended by a large bodyguard, enter the ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/an exhortation to theodore after.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... and, being doubtless supported in his undertaking by all the petty kings and great ...
number of his troops, and swept away the whole of his body-guard"a body of ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

Inexcusable Irreverence and Ingratitude
... this is high treason against the King of kings! ... you have had godly parents, you have
attended a gospel ... he can make Satan himself provide the body-guard for his ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/inexcusable irreverence and ingratitude.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... It is written: "He has made us kings also, and priests to God and his Father." The
authority of the Church has made the difference between order [ordinem] and ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... guard. It included whole companies of foreign mercenaries, like those Cretan and
Carian warriors who, since the time of David, had kept guard round the Kings ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... sisters, concubines, uncles, brothers, cousins, nephews, sons and grandsons of kings
who crowded ... had to obey two masters, the younger of whom attended to the ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... places of the field."The kings came and fought;"then fought the kings of Canaan ... of
fortune and of Israelitish blood, arrived upon the scene, attended by his ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... tradition asserted that his conception was attended by supernatural ... Their kings,
lords of Susa as well as of ... passed next into the royal body- guard, and that ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm