The name Benaiah means “Yah has built up,” and his father Jehoiada, “Yahweh knows.” He was from Kabzeel (“God gathers”), a town in southern Judah and close to Edom. Our text says that he “had done many deeds” or was “a doer of great deeds” (esv). He had struck down two heroes of Moab and a lion in a pit on a snowy day. Benaiah was an amazing fighter.

“He killed an Egyptian, a man of great height, five cubits tall” (almost 2.5 meters). This giant had in his hand “a spear like a weaver’s beam; and [Benaiah] went down to him with a staff, wrested the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear” (v. 23). Benaiah was very courageous and won a name among the three mighty men, but he was not ranked with them. He was counted with the thirty, probably their most honorable one and a warrior David could always rely on.

David appointed him over his guard corps, the Cherethites and the Pelethites (1 Chr. 18:17). After Absalom’s rebellion, Benaiah’s son became David’s counselor (27:34). Integrity, commitment, faithfulness, and loyalty were features that marked Benaiah, who had an impact on others. Under Solomon he became an able administrator (27:5). Benaiah participated in Solomon’s magnificent crowning ceremony described in 1 Kings 1–2. He also functioned as the executioner of some opponents (1 Ki. 2:34, 46). Benaiah was a man who had many talents and faithfully used them. What a wonderful example for us to be faithful and not weary in our labors for Christ.