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Military Divisions
27 This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers’ houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000:
Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division in the first month; in his division were 24,000. He was a descendant of Perez and was chief of all the commanders. He served for the first month. Dodai the Ahohite was in charge of the division of the second month; in his division were 24,000. The third commander, for the third month, was Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the chief priest; in his division were 24,000. This is the Benaiah who was a mighty man of the thirty and in command of the thirty; Ammizabad his son was in charge of his division. Asahel the brother of Joab was fourth, for the fourth month, and his son Zebadiah after him; in his division were 24,000. The fifth commander, for the fifth month, was Shamhuth the Izrahite; in his division were 24,000. Sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira, the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; in his division were 24,000. Seventh, for the seventh month, was Helez the Pelonite, of the sons of Ephraim; in his division were 24,000. Eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000. Ninth, for the ninth month, was Abiezer of Anathoth, a Benjaminite; in his division were 24,000. Tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai of Netophah, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000. Eleventh, for the eleventh month, was Benaiah of Pirathon, of the sons of Ephraim; in his division were 24,000. Twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel; in his division were 24,000.
Leaders of Tribes
Over the tribes of Israel, for the Reubenites, Eliezer the son of Zichri was chief officer; for the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maacah; for Levi, Hashabiah the son of Kemuel; for Aaron, Zadok; for Judah, Elihu, one of David’s brothers; for Issachar, Omri the son of Michael; for Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah; for Naphtali, Jeremoth the son of Azriel; for the Ephraimites, Hoshea the son of Azaziah; for the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah; for the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah; for Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner; for Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham. These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel. David did not count those below twenty years of age, for the LORD had promised to make Israel as many as the stars of heaven. Joab the son of Zeruiah began to count, but did not finish. Yet wrath came upon Israel for this, and the number was not entered in the chronicles of King David.
Over the king’s treasuries was Azmaveth the son of Adiel; and over the treasuries in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan the son of Uzziah; and over those who did the work of the field for tilling the soil was Ezri the son of Chelub; and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite; and over the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite. Over the olive and sycamore trees in the Shephelah was Baal-hanan the Gederite; and over the stores of oil was Joash. Over the herds that pastured in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite; over the herds in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai. Over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite; and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite. Over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite. All these were stewards of King David’s property.
Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, being a man of understanding and a scribe. He and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni attended the king’s sons. Ahithophel was the king’s counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king’s friend. Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar. Joab was commander of the king’s army.
(ESV)
1 Chronicles 27 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Listed among the commanders of war was a very intriguing man by the name of Benaiah.
This Benaiah was the mighty man of the thirty, and had charge of thirty; and over his division was Ammizabad his son.
1 Chronicles 27:6 NASB
When David was fleeing from Saul and living in Philistia, he attracted warriors from the area. We know that those men were placed under the authority of Benaiah. We also know that Benaiah was considered one of the mighty men but he had a much greater role.
He led an elite group of mercenaries who provided special detail for David including serving as his personal bodyguard. It was not uncommon for David to send these men on special missions. The group was similar to the U.S. Navy’s SEAL Team 6. Today, this prominent group’s role includes hostage rescue, special reconnaissance, personal security, and other specialized missions.
It seems whenever we read a story about Benaiah, he’s doing something incredible. In 2 Samuel 23, he is noted for killing 2 sons of Ariel in Moab. On the surface, this may seem like just two guys who decided to pick a fight. However, no one knows who Ariel is. The OT word ‘Ariel’ is very similar to lion. Some scholars believe these were ferocious, lion-hearted warriors. Benaiah took out not just one of them, but both. And oh, by the way, in the very next verse it says he also killed an ACTUAL lion in a pit on a snowy day. Yes, it really says that.
Then Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab. He also went down and killed a lion in the middle of a pit on a snowy day.
2 Samuel 23:20 NASB
In addition, Benaiah took down a 7-foot Egyptian with his own spear, and also defended Solomon’s right to being king by killing off all the men who opposed him, including David’s former military commander, Joab!
The point is, Benaiah was a man of courage and integrity. He stood up for what was right. He used his skill to the best of his ability in order to support the men whom the Lord had chosen.