2 Samuel 20 23

2 Samuel 20:23 kjv

Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:

2 Samuel 20:23 nkjv

And Joab was over all the army of Israel; Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites;

2 Samuel 20:23 niv

Joab was over Israel's entire army; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites;

2 Samuel 20:23 esv

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;

2 Samuel 20:23 nlt

Now Joab was the commander of the army of Israel. Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king's bodyguard.

2 Samuel 20 verses

2 Samuel 20 23 Meaning

This verse serves as a concise administrative update within David's reign, affirming the continued roles of key military officials following a period of national upheaval and rebellion. It establishes Joab's supreme command over all the armies of Israel and details Benaiah son of Jehoiada's leadership over the elite personal bodyguard units, the Cherethites and the Pelethites. This signifies the re-establishment and stability of David's governmental and military structures, emphasizing his reliance on loyal, professional, and capable military leaders for both national security and his personal protection.

2 Samuel 20 23 Context

2 Samuel chapter 20 describes the suppression of Sheba son of Bichri's rebellion, a period of renewed unrest immediately following Absalom's defeat. David, having restored stability, is concerned with consolidating his power and ensuring peace throughout the kingdom. Joab, despite his controversial murder of Amasa (David's appointed commander to replace Joab), plays a decisive role in quashing Sheba's uprising. The verse comes as the chapter concludes with a summary of David's officials (2 Sam 20:23-26), signalling the re-establishment of the court and governmental administration. This confirms the critical, non-negotiable roles of key figures in David's rule, especially those who proved unwavering in their loyalty during times of profound national crisis. It highlights the continued need for strong, disciplined military leadership and a loyal royal guard to maintain the king's authority and secure the kingdom.

2 Samuel 20 23 Word analysis

• Joab (יוֹאָב, Yo'av): Meaning "Yahweh is father" or "Yahweh (is) my father." David's nephew and long-standing commander-in-chief of Israel's army. His character is complex, marked by fierce loyalty to David, extraordinary military acumen, but also ruthless and often defiant actions (e.g., assassinations of Abner, Absalom, Amasa). His reappointment, despite past misdeeds and insubordination, highlights his indispensable strategic and operational genius in maintaining David's kingdom.

• was over: Signifies a position of supreme authority, leadership, and executive control. It means to be in charge of, responsible for, or supervisor of.

• all the army of Israel (כָּל־צְבָא יִשְׂרָאֵל, kol-tzəvā Yisrā’ēl): Refers to the collective military force drawn from all twelve tribes of Israel. This encompasses all military units, tribal levies, and any standing forces. This emphasizes Joab's absolute command over the national defense and offense, signifying David's consolidated military power under a single leader.

• Benaiah (בְּנָיָהוּ, Běnāyāhû): Meaning "Yahweh has built." A formidable warrior from the lineage of Jehoiada, known for extraordinary feats of strength and valor (cf. 2 Sam 23:20-21). He is consistently portrayed as unwavering in his loyalty to David, and later to Solomon. His position foreshadows his eventual succession to Joab's role.

• the son of Jehoiada (בֶּן־ יְהוֹיָדָע, ben Yehôyādāʿ): "Son of Jehoiada" connects Benaiah to a prominent and respected family. Jehoiada himself was likely a high-ranking priest or Levite. This lineage would have added to Benaiah's credibility and standing within David's court, reinforcing his suitability for such a sensitive and vital command.

• Cherethites (כְּרֵתִי, Kěrētî): Often associated with Crete or Philistine origin, these were a highly disciplined and professional mercenary contingent who served as David's elite personal bodyguards and executioners. Their foreign status likely ensured their unwavering loyalty to David directly, as they had no tribal affiliations or competing loyalties within Israel.

• and the Pelethites (וְהַפְּלֵתִי, wəhap-Pělētî): Frequently paired with the Cherethites. The name potentially means "runners" or "executioners." Like the Cherethites, they formed the core of the king's private guard, embodying royal authority and acting as a quick-response, dependable force for both internal security and enforcing royal commands.

• "Joab was over all the army of Israel;": This phrase underlines Joab's supreme and unmatched military authority. Despite David's strong personal feelings towards Joab due to past grievances, his practical effectiveness and leadership were undeniable and crucial for the security and control of the entire kingdom. It represents a pragmatic decision by David to retain a skilled, albeit controversial, military leader.

• "and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites;": This clause signifies the distinction between the national army and the king's direct, personal, and highly reliable security detail. Benaiah's command over these elite foreign bodyguards indicates their critical role in ensuring the monarch's personal safety and in executing sensitive royal directives. Their distinct role emphasizes the professionalization of the military apparatus under David.

2 Samuel 20 23 Bonus section

• Royal Bureaucracy: This verse is part of a list of key officials (2 Sam 20:23-26), providing insight into the developing bureaucracy and administrative structure of the Davidic monarchy. Such comprehensive lists underscore the increasing complexity and professionalization of governance in Israel beyond the tribal period.
• Pragmatism in Leadership: David's continued reliance on Joab highlights a difficult but necessary pragmatism in leadership. Despite Joab's past disloyalties and murderous actions (killing Absalom against David's will, assassinating Amasa), his military prowess was irreplaceable for the kingdom's security at this stage, showcasing David's focus on national stability over personal vengeance in these appointments.
• Symbol of Authority: The Cherethites and Pelethites became synonymous with the king's personal presence and authority. Whenever these units moved, it signaled a direct command or presence of the king, making Benaiah's role incredibly significant as the trusted enforcer of the crown's will.

2 Samuel 20 23 Commentary

2 Samuel 20:23 serves as a summary statement reaffirming the structure of David's central military command following the national turmoil. It reveals the strategic appointments essential for maintaining order and stability in the kingdom. Joab, David's brilliant but ruthless general, is confirmed as the overall commander of the Israelite army. His retention in this pivotal role underscores his undeniable military genius and his indispensability, despite David's frequent disapproval of his actions. This demonstrates the pragmatic nature of leadership: talent is often retained for the good of the state, even if morally compromised. Benaiah son of Jehoiada, known for his exceptional valor and unwavering loyalty, is entrusted with the Cherethites and Pelethites—David's elite foreign mercenary guard. This professional force was vital for the king's immediate protection and for swiftly carrying out royal commands, symbolizing the ultimate control and stability of David's throne. The verse effectively showcases David's well-established governmental structure, built on capable leaders and disciplined forces, essential for effective governance in a kingdom that had recently endured successive internal rebellions.