Biblical Hereos Devotional: Benaiah (son of Jehoiada)

Our character of today didn’t have any llamas, but he did lead an animal of burden.

Who is Benaiah?

A commander of King David’s bodyguard; promoted by Solomon to be commander of the army. Benaiah was the son of the chief priest Jehoiada. He was a might man of valor noted for striking down two powerful warriors of Moab, killed a lion in a cistern on a snowy day, and killing a handsome Egyptian with his own spear.

What are some of his qualities that we can be inspired by?

Powerful and Faithful

He completed all these acts of brave heroism. But the act of Benaiah’s heroism that David and Solomon choose to highlight is his obedience and faithfulness to his king. Benaiah is noted for his devotion to the Davidic dynasty. He likely sided with David during Absalom’s rebellion. He also supported Solomon’s claim to the throne, even while Adonijah attempted to take control. He took part in Solomon’s installation as king and after David’s death Benaiah killed Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei.

2. He cared about spiritual things and motivated others to spiritual things.

When the other son of David, Adonijah tried to usurp the thrown from Solomon, Benaiah said this to David and to all the people of Israel:

King David said, “Summon Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” They came before the king,  and he told them, “Take your master’s servants with you, put my son Solomon on my mule, and lead him down to Gihon.  There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet will anoint him king over Israel; then blow the trumpet and declare, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ Then follow him up as he comes and sits on my throne. He will be king in my place; I have decreed that he will be ruler over Israel and Judah.” Benaiah son of Jehoiada responded to the king: “So be it! May the LORD God of my master the king confirm it! As the LORD is with my master the king, so may he be with Solomon, and may he make him an even greater king than my master King David!”

In this passage, Benaiah is grouped with two other spiritually minded people, the priest Zadock and the prophet Nathan.

Conclusion

Maybe a few of you are considered powerful/strong people/and have authority, how do you use your strength? Is to protect and to be faithfully obedient? Or do you use your position for self interest like Joab?

Do you promote others to good, spiritual things? Or do you let material things guide your decitions?