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Benaiah

Warrior living at the time of United Monarchy

Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was a mighty warrior in David's army and later served as the commander of Solomon's army and a key advisor to the king.

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Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was a prominent figure during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. He is first mentioned as one of David's mighty men, known for his bravery and military prowess (2Sa.23.20-23; 1Ch.11.22-25). Benaiah's exploits included killing two warriors of Moab, a lion in a pit on a snowy day, and an Egyptian giant. He was highly respected and held leadership positions in David's army, such as being the head of the king's bodyguard (2Sa.8.18; 20.23). During the succession crisis at the end of David's reign, Benaiah remained loyal to Solomon and played a crucial role in establishing him as king (1Ki.1.8, 10, 32-44). He carried out Solomon's orders to execute Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei, effectively removing potential threats to the new king's reign (1Ki.2.25, 29-46). Under Solomon's rule, Benaiah served as the commander of the army (1Ki.4.4) and was part of the king's inner circle of advisors. His loyalty, military skills, and unwavering support for the Davidic dynasty made him an invaluable asset to both David and Solomon.

Family

Father
Jehoiada
Children
Ammizabad

Connections

Part of: Kings, prophets and the house of David

David's mighty men: Uriah, Benaiah and Joab's brothers

WorkStated in the text

The list of "the thirty" ends with Uriah the Hittite, a foreigner in David's elite ranks, placing his murder in context. Other named members include Abishai, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Asahel, and Eleazar son of Dodo; Benaiah rose to command Solomon's army.

Where the text shows it: 2 Sam 23:8-12 — The three2 Sam 23:20-23 — Benaiah son of Jehoiada2 Sam 23:24 — Asahel among the thirty2 Sam 23:39 — Uriah the Hittite closes the list

Sources: 2 Sam 23:8-12 · 2 Sam 23:20-23 · 2 Sam 23:24 · 2 Sam 23:39

Solomon versus Adonijah: the succession struggle

RoleStated in the text

Adonijah, backed by Joab and Abiathar, declared himself king. Nathan and Bathsheba got David to confirm Solomon, and Zadok, Nathan and Benaiah anointed him at Gihon. Solomon then had Adonijah and Joab killed and sent Abiathar to Anathoth.

Where the text shows it: 1 Kgs 1:5-10 — Adonijah's party1 Kgs 1:32-40 — Solomon anointed at Gihon1 Kgs 2:23-35 — Adonijah and Joab executed; Abiathar exiled

Sources: 1 Kgs 1:5-10 · 1 Kgs 1:32-40 · 1 Kgs 2:23-35

Where Benaiah appears

23 verses in 3 books · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s H1141

2 Samuel4
1 Kings14
1 Chronicles5

Names, family links and references: STEPBible TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Short descriptions were drafted with AI assistance by STEPBible. Family links follow STEPBible’s scholarly decisions where genealogies are ambiguous.