Bible Dictionary

Benaiah

People & Groups • Old Testament

Benaiah, son of Jehoiada, was one of David’s mighty warriors and commander of the royal guard. He supported Solomon and became commander of Israel’s army after Joab’s death; other men named Benaiah are also listed.

Definition

Benaiah means “Yahweh has built” or “made by the Lord.” The best-known Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, a mighty man under David who commanded the Cherethites and Pelethites, supported Solomon, and became commander of the army. Several other men named Benaiah served as warriors, Levites, priests, rulers, or officials.

Biblical Usage

Benaiah son of Jehoiada remained loyal during Adonijah’s attempt to seize the kingdom, helped proclaim Solomon king, and carried out Solomon’s judgments against Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei. Other Benaiahs appear in military, musical, priestly, administrative, and genealogical lists.

Historical Background

Benaiah son of Jehoiada was from Kabzeel and was celebrated for mighty deeds. Solomon appointed him commander in place of Joab, while other men of the same name belonged to different families and offices.

Scripture References

1 Chronicles 27:5 2 Samuel 8:18 1 Kings 1:32 1 Chronicles 18:17 2 Samuel 23:20 2 Samuel 23:21 2 Samuel 23:22 1 Chronicles 11:22 1 Kings 1:8 1 Kings 1:10 1 Kings 1:26 1 Kings 2:25 1 Kings 2:29 1 Kings 2:30 1 Kings 2:34 1 Kings 2:35 1 Kings 4:4 2 Samuel 23:30 1 Chronicles 11:31 1 Chronicles 15:18 1 Chronicles 15:20 1 Chronicles 15:24 1 Chronicles 16:6 2 Chronicles 20:14 1 Chronicles 11:25 2 Samuel 20:23 1 Kings 1:38 2 Samuel 23:23 1 Chronicles 27:6 1 Kings 1:44 1 Chronicles 27:14 1 Chronicles 16:5 2 Chronicles 31:13 1 Chronicles 4:36 Ezra 10:25 Ezra 10:30 Ezra 10:35 Ezra 10:43 Ezekiel 11:1 Ezekiel 11:13

Related Figures

Historical Bible Dictionaries

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Built up by Jehovah. (1.) The son of Jehoiada, chief priest (1 Chr. 27:5). He was set by David over his body-guard of Cherethites and Pelethites (2 Sam. 8:18; 1 Kings 1:32; 1 Chr. 18:17). His exploits are enumerated in 2 Sam. 23:20, 21, 22; 1 Chr. 11:22. He remained faithful to Solomon (1 Kings 1:8, 10, 26), by whom he was raised to the rank of commander-in-chief (1 Kings 2:25, 29, 30, 34, 35; 4:4). (2.) 2 Sam. 23:30; 1 Chr. 11:31. (3.) A musical Levite (1 Chr. 15:18, 20). (4.) A priest (1 Chr. 15:24; 16:6). (5.) The son of Jeiel (2 Chr. 20:14).

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(made by the Lord).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)

be-na'-ya, be-ni'-a (benayah, benayahu, "Yahweh has built." Compare HPN, 182, 265, 268):(1) Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada of Kabzeel (compare Jos 15:21), was a man of "mighty deeds" and was more honorable than any of the mighty men of David except the three chiefs. Therefore David made him his chief counselor (2Sa 23:23 m; month compare 1Ch 27:34 where the order of names seems to be reversed) and set him over the Cherethites (compare Carites, 2Ki 11:4 ff and margin) and Pelethites and he was made the 3rd captain of the host and chief over the course of the 3rd (1Ch 27:5 f; 2Sa 8:18; 20:23; 1Ch 18:17; 2Sa 23:20 ff; 11:22 ff). Being a true friend of David (compare 2Sa 15:18) he did not take part in the usurpation of Adonijah (1Ki 1:8,10,26), and was therefore with others chosen by the king to proclaim Solomon king over Israel (1Ki 1:32 ff) and later by Solomon to execute Adonijah (1Ki 2:25), Joab (1Ki 2:29 ff), and Shimei (1Ki 2:46). In recognition of his services Solomon appointed him over the host in Joab's place (1Ki 2:35; 4:4).(2) Benaiah, a Pirathonite (compare Jud 12:13,15), was one of David's 30 mighty men (2Sa 23:30; 1Ch 11:31). He was captain over the course of the 11th month numbering 24,000 (1Ch 27:14).(3) A ruler of the house of Simeon (1Ch 4:36).(4) A Levite of second degree appointed as singer (1Ch 15:18) with "psalteries Set to Alamoth" (1Ch 15:20; 16:5).(5) A priest appointed "to blow the trumpet before the ark of God" (1Ch 15:24; 16:6).(6) The father of Jehoiada (1Ch 27:34), but see (1) above.(7) An ancestor of Jahaziel of the house of Asaph (2Ch 20:14).(8) An overseer in the service of Hezekiah (2Ch 31:13).(9, 10, 11, 12) Four different men of Israel who had taken "strange wives" (Ezr 10:25,30,35,43).(13) The father of Pelatiah who was seen by Ezekiel in his vision (Eze 11:1,13).A. L. Breslich

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