Benaiah

AI summary: Benaiah matters because the cross references place him where military courage and dynastic stability meet. He appears among David's elite warriors for memorable feats, serves over the Cherethites and Pelethites, and remains loyal when Adonijah attempts to take the throne. Under Solomon he carries out decisive acts that remove rival threats and consolidate the new reign. Taken together, the material presents Benaiah as a disciplined and formidable servant of the crown whose faithfulness helps bridge the movement from David's rule to Solomon's kingdom.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). ³