Topical Bible: The Lion: Slain by Benaiah

◄ The Lion: Slain by Benaiah ►

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In the biblical narrative, the account of Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, stands out as a testament to courage and divine empowerment. Benaiah is one of King David's mighty warriors, renowned for his valor and loyalty. Among his notable feats is the slaying of a lion, an event that underscores his bravery and God's providence in the lives of His chosen servants.

Biblical Account

The account of Benaiah's encounter with the lion is recorded in 2 Samuel 23:20 and 1 Chronicles 11:22. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following account:

"Then Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, performed great 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)

"Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion." (1 Chronicles 11:22)

Context and Significance

Benaiah's act of slaying a lion in a pit on a snowy day is not merely a demonstration of physical prowess but also a reflection of his faith and trust in God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, lions were symbols of power and danger, often representing formidable challenges. The fact that Benaiah confronted and defeated such a beast highlights his exceptional courage and the divine favor upon him.

The mention of the snowy day adds to the narrative's dramatic tension, suggesting adverse conditions that would have made the encounter even more perilous. Despite these challenges, Benaiah's victory over the lion serves as a metaphor for overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles through faith and divine assistance.

Role in David's Kingdom

Benaiah's exploits, including the slaying of the lion, earned him a prominent place among David's mighty men, a group of elite warriors who played crucial roles in establishing and defending the kingdom of Israel. His bravery and loyalty were rewarded with significant responsibilities, as he later became the commander of David's bodyguard and, eventually, the commander-in-chief of Solomon's army (1 Kings 2:35).

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Benaiah's victory over the lion can be seen as an illustration of God's empowerment of His people to face and conquer the challenges that arise in their lives. It serves as a reminder of the biblical theme that God equips and strengthens those who are faithful to Him, enabling them to achieve great things for His glory.

Benaiah's account also prefigures the ultimate victory over the "roaring lion" that seeks to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Through Christ, believers are assured of triumph over sin and evil, echoing the courage and faith exemplified by Benaiah in his encounter with the lion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How the Hebrews were Delivered from a Famine when the Gibeonites ...
... Many of them also were slain in the fight ... The fifth of these was Benaiah, by lineage
a priest; for being ... When God sent a snow, there was a lion who slipped and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how the hebrews.htm

There have Come to Me Ransomers from among the Saints, but None ...
... on the evil ones, and they were not slain who were ... I remember Samson that lion's
whelp, who brake and gave ... Benaiah in the holy temple slew Jacob, justly as it ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxxix there have come.htm

Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
... to him, A handful does not satisfy a lion, and a ... so it is said (2 Samuel 20:23),
And Benaiah, the son ... Deuteronomy 28:31), Thine ox shall be slain before thine ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 2 extracts from the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... 5:24-27 does not seem to warrant the view that he was slain "in the ... It bore out well
its character""Dan is a lion's whelp that leapeth forth from Bashan" on ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm