2 Samuel 23:20-30

20 There was also Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant warrior from Kabzeel. He did many heroic deeds, which included killing two champions of Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he chased a lion down into a pit and killed it.

21 Once, armed only with a club, he killed an imposing Egyptian warrior who was armed with a spear. Benaiah wrenched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with it.

22 Deeds like these made Benaiah as famous as the Three mightiest warriors.

23 He was more honored than the other members of the Thirty, though he was not one of the Three. And David made him captain of his bodyguard.

24 Other members of the Thirty included: Asahel, Joab’s brother; Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem;

25 Shammah from Harod; Elika from Harod;

26 Helez from Pelon ; Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa;

27 Abiezer from Anathoth; Sibbecai from Hushah;

28 Zalmon from Ahoah; Maharai from Netophah;

29 Heled son of Baanah from Netophah; Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah (in the land of Benjamin);

30 Benaiah from Pirathon; Hurai from Nahale-gaash ;

2 Samuel 23:20-30 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 23

In this chapter are recorded the last words of David under a divine inspiration, 2Sa 23:1-7; and an account is given of his great men, famous for warlike exploits, particularly of three mighty men who did very marvellous things, 2Sa 23:8-17; and of two others next unto them, which belonged to another class of three, 2Sa 23:18-23; and then of thirty one more, 2Sa 23:24-39; who are all mentioned by name.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or son of Jehoiada, son of Ish-hai.
• [b]. Hebrew two of Ariel.
• [c]. As in parallel text at 1 Chr 11:27 (see also 1 Chr 27:10 ); Hebrew reads from Palti.
• [d]. As in some Greek manuscripts (see also 1 Chr 11:29 ); Hebrew reads Mebunnai.
• [e]. As in some Hebrew manuscripts (see also 1 Chr 11:30 ); most Hebrew manuscripts read Heleb.
• [f]. As in parallel text at 1 Chr 11:31 ; Hebrew reads Ittai.
• [g]. As in some Greek manuscripts (see also 1 Chr 11:32 ); Hebrew reads Hiddai.
• [h]. Or from the ravines of Gaash.