Benaiah
Theme:
Tenacity
Business Application:
Keep fighting when times are tough to come out on top
Who he was:
Benaiah was one of David’s “Mighty Men” and a top general. He served David faithfully, through various battles and personal attacks and showed remarkable bravery.
Why his story matters:
Benaiah’s story stands in contrast to the misguided bravado of Joab and his brothers. They were all valiant, but Benaiah showed character and rose over time, rather than cutting others down to get ahead and stay ahead.
What we can learn from him:
Benaiah inspires us how to do hard things in difficult circumstances. He’s the one who killed a lion in a pit on a snowy day. He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors and managed to kill an Egyptian giant using the giant’s own oversized spear.
Benaiah also displayed the ability to lead others who, in turn, became successful. His son led an army division under his leadership and later replaced Ahithophel, David’s counselor who became disloyal.
Benaiah also led the Kerethites and Pelethites, who may have been foreign mercenaries. Not only did they become powerful warriors,but they also remained loyal when David fled Jerusalem. Then despite the turmoil and confusion around succession, they backed David’s chosen successor, Solomon, rather than Adonijah.
Where we see his archetype today:
We see Benaiah-like character in acts of leadership under adversity, loyalty in action, and undaunted courage. We also see Benaiah in those who inspire their followers and successors to greatness.
How we can learn more about him:
Benaiah’s role is introduced in 2 Samuel 8:18. His heroic stories are concentrated in 2 Samuel 23:20-23. His role in bringing justice to Joab is found in 1 Kings 2:30-35. Bonus: Mark Batterson also wrote a book inspired by his brave act, called “In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day: How to Survive and Thrive When Opportunity Roars.”