2 Samuel 23:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 23:8-38

I. The catalogue which the historian has here left upon record of the great soldiers that were in David's time is intended, 1. For the honour of David, who trained them up in the arts of exercises of war, and set them an example of conduct and courage. It is the reputation as well as the advantage of a prince to be attended and served by such brave men as are here described. 2. For the honour of those worthies themselves, who were instrumental to bring David to the crown, settle and protect... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 23:20

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel ,.... A city in the tribe of Judah, Joshua 15:21 ; the father of this man was a man of great vivacity, valour, and strength, so that it was like father like son. Procopius Gazaeus says Benaiah was David's brother's son, and a grandson of Jesse: who had done many acts ; which may refer either to the father of Benaiah or to Benaiah himself; and indeed the Syriac and Arabic versions refer the preceding character, "a... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 23:20

Two lion-like men of Moab - Some think that two real lions are meant; some that they were two savage gigantic men; others, that two fortresses are meant. The words מואב אראל שני sheney ariel Moab may signify, as the Targum has rendered it, מואב רברבי תרין ית yath terein rabrebey Moab , "The two princes of Moab." read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 23:8-39

The facts are: 1 . A general statement of the names of David's mighty men, with a comparative reference to some of their deeds. 2 . A more special account of the daring of three who procured water for David at the risk of their lives. 3 . The refusal of the king to drink that which had been obtained at so great a risk. Mighty men. The account here of the heroes who figured in the course of David's life is supplementary to the general history, and, while intended to set forth... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 23:18-23

( 1 Chronicles 11:22-25 ). The heroism of Benaiah. He was son of Jehoiada, chief priest and leader of the Aaronites who came to David at Hebron ( 1 Chronicles 12:27 ); one of (a second) three "mighties" (with Abishai and, perhaps, Asahel), and above the thirty ( 1 Chronicles 27:5 , 1 Chronicles 27:6 ); captain of the host for the third month; and commander of the body guard ( 2 Samuel 8:18 ; 2 Samuel 20:23 ). He remained faithful to Solomon in the conspiracy of Adonijah, was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 23:20

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 23:20

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

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 23:8-39

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Samuel 23:20

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

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