A goodly man. The Hebrew text has "who a sight," for which the Massorites read, "a man of sight," that is, handsome, and worth looking at. In Chronicles 2 Samuel 11:23 we find what, no doubt, is the right reading, "a man of measure [equivalent to 'a tall man'], five cubits high." The height of Goliath was six cubits and a span ( 1 Samuel 17:4 ). read more
David set him over his guard. We have already seen (upon 1 Samuel 22:14 ) that the words mean that David made him a member of his privy council. Literally the words are, and David appointed him to his audience. In 1 Chronicles 27:34 mention is made of "Jehoiada the son of Benaiah" as being next in the council to Ahithophel, and many commentators think that the names have been transposed, and that we ought to read, "Benaiah the son of Jehoiada." read more
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada - He commanded the Cherethites and Pelethites all through David’s reign 2Sa 8:18; 2 Samuel 20:23, and took a prominent part in supporting Solomon against Adonijah when David was dying, and was rewarded by being made captain of the host in the room of Joab 1Ki 1:8, 1 Kings 1:26, 1 Kings 1:32-40; 1Ki 2:25-35; 1 Kings 4:4. It is possible that Jehoiada his father is the same as Jehoiada 1 Chronicles 12:27, leader of the Aaronites, since “Benaiah the son of Jehoiada” is... read more
David set him over his guard - “Made him of his privy council,” would be a better rendering. See 1 Samuel 22:14 note. This position, distinct from his office as captain of the Cherethites and Pelethites, is clearly indicated 1 Chronicles 27:34. read more
2 Samuel 23:20. Who had done many acts As Abishai also had done, who had succoured David, when a giant thought to have killed him. But their greatest acts only are here mentioned. He slew two lion-like men of Moab The Hebrew word אראל , ariel, signifies a lion of God, that is, a great lion. And it was the name among the Moabites for a very valiant man. Such a one at this day is called assedollabi, a lion of God, among the Arabians. He slew a lion in the midst of a pit By going... read more
2 Samuel 21:21-22. An Egyptian, a goodly man A person of great stature, 1 Chronicles 11:23. He plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand This shows him to have been both fearless, and a person of great skill and dexterity in managing a combat, either with man or beast. And had the name among three mighty men That is, among the three in the second rank, for it is said in the following verse that he did not attain or come up to the first three. Who the third was of this second rank... read more
David’s mighty men (23:8-39)From the hundreds of men who gathered around him during his flight from Saul, David had built a loyal and tough fighting unit. This unit remained the central strength of his army throughout his long reign (see 1 Samuel 22:1-2; 1 Samuel 30:9; 2 Samuel 15:18; 2 Samuel 15:18; 2 Samuel 18:1-2; 2 Samuel 20:7; 1 Chronicles 11:10; 1 Chronicles 11:10). The commander-in-chief of his army was Joab (see 8:16, 20:23).Next in rank below Joab were three generals, or commanders,... read more
lionlike men . Men of Ariel. Ariel, proper name, occurs only here and twice in Isaiah 29:1 , Isaiah 29:2 . a . . . a . . . snow. All these have the Article, as being a well-known exploit. read more
goodly of appearance . Hebrew = a sight to see. 1 Chronicles 11:23 stature. with his own spear . Often done now spiritually by the servants of the true David. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 23:20
Benaiah the son of Jehoiada. He was a very important person throughout David's reign, being the commander of the body guard' ( 2 Samuel 8:18 ), and general of the third brigade of twenty-four thousand men ( 1 Chronicles 27:5 ). The meaning of the description given of him there is disputed; but probably it should be translated, "Benaiah the son of Jehoiada the priest, as head," that is, of the brigade. He was thus the son of the Jehoiada who was leader of the house of Aaron, and whose... read more