In the old days, every king needed a powerful commander to direct their army and protect their country.
There was always some power-hungry adversary waiting in the wings for an opportunity to take out the king and wear the crown. Just ask Pompey the Great, assassinated in 48 B.C., or Julius Caesar, assassinated in 44 B.C.
Yes, there is always someone who will do anything to wear the crown.
The Bible has numerous examples of kings who suffered the same fate as Pompey and Caesar.
But one man who faced numerous adversaries and survived is King David. David survived as king over the Israelites, in part, because he appointed a powerful commander named Benaiah to lead his elite personal guard.
Benaiah’s Service
Benaiah’s father, Jehoiada, was the chief priest in Israel.
Benaiah grew up seeing in his priest father’s unshakable loyalty to God and God’s appointed leaders, and that shaped his life.
As a young man, Benaiah established himself not only as a priest, like his father but as a strong, courageous warrior.
His resume included:
- The killing of a lion in the middle of a pit on a snowy day (2 Samuel 23:20).
- The killing two Moabites described as “lion-men” (2 Samuel 23:20).
- Armed with only a staff, he killed an Egyptian giant with the Egyptian’s own weapon (2 Samuel 23:21).
Benaiah’s reputation as a warrior earned him the position of commander of David’s personal guard. These were the men stationed closest to David in battle.
When David was nearing the end of his life, Benaiah was so one of three men David called on to ensure his son, Solomon, would be installed as king (1 Kings 1:32). When Benaiah heard David’s request, he answered, “Amen! May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, declare it. As the LORD was with my lord the king, so may he be with Solomon to make his throne even greater than the throne of my lord King David!” (1 Kings 1:36-37).
After being installed as king, Solomon ordered Benaiah to strike down Joab who turned traitor against David. Benaiah did just as Solomon ordered, and Solomon appointed Benaiah as commander over the entire army (1 Kings 2:35).
Ultimately, Benaiah was so accomplished in his role, David considered him worthy of greater honor than his Top 30 men (2Samuel 23:23).
Benaiah’s Character
Benaiah’s life of service, first to David, and then to Solomon, demonstrates five important character traits of a powerful commander. Benaiah chose to serve out of principle, with integrity, loyalty, and commitment.
These are the marks of a trusted commander:
- Someone with demonstrated leadership ability.
- Someone who has chosen to serve.
- Someone who is guided by principle.
- Someone with demonstrated integrity.
- Someone with undivided loyalty. And,
- Someone with an unwavering commitment to God.
A Modern Commander
Times and circumstances have changed since King David, but the need for leaders to be served by powerful commanders has not changed.
Leaders have targets on their backs. It doesn’t matter if you lead a corporation, a small business, or serve in a church. There are people who want the power and prestige that comes along with being a leader.
And since leaders are targets, they need someone to help protect them. They need a modern-day Benaiah.
As a leader, you need someone you can turn to, someone with all the characteristics of a modern-day Benaiah. You need someone capable of leading others, who have chosen to serve, is guided by principle, with demonstrated integrity, undivided loyalty, and most important, an unwavering commitment to God.
It is important to have someone protecting you as a leader. But, each of us can also serve in that capacity for someone else. Look for that person and be their Benaiah!
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. Have you had someone in the role of protector in your life? Have you been someone else’s?
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Category: Relationships | Healthy Alliances
