2 Samuel 20:23

23 1Now Joab was in command of all the army of Israel; and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was in command of the Cherethites and the Pelethites;

2 Samuel 20:23 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 20:23

Now Joab [was] over all the host of Israel
Established in the post in which he formerly was; either having been never displaced, which though David thought to do, he was not able to effect it, because of his power and influence with the people; or if he had displaced him, which by some things in this chapter seemed to be the case, yet Amasa being dead, and the rebellion crushed by Joab, which still made him more haughty, and increased his popularity, David saw it most advisable to replace him; and because mention is made of him, as established in his office as general over the whole army, an account is given of the rest of David's officers; and the rather, as it was a sort of beginning his reign anew, after quelling the above rebellions:

and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites, and over
the Pelethites;
was continued in his post, see ( 2 Samuel 8:18 ) .

2 Samuel 20:23 In-Context

21 That is not true. But a man of the hill country of Ephraim, called Sheba the son of Bichri, has lifted up his hand against King David. Give up him alone, and I will withdraw from the city." And the woman said to Joab, "Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall."
22 Then the woman went to all the people in her wisdom. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. So he blew the trumpet, and they dispersed from the city, every man to his home. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king.
23 Now Joab was in command of all the army of Israel; and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was in command of the Cherethites and the Pelethites;
24 and Adoram was in charge of the forced labor; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder;
25 and Sheva was secretary; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

Cross References 1

  • 1. For ver. 23-26, see 2 Samuel 8:16-18; 1 Kings 4:3-6
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.