King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 23:22 Mean?
“These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.”
Context
20
And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man , of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: who: Heb. great of acts lionlike: Heb. lion of God
21
And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. a goodly: Heb. a man of countenance, or, sight: called I.Chr.I.23. a man of great stature
22
These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.
23
He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard. more: or, honourable among the thirty guard: or, council: Heb. at his command
24
Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**25-26. But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty--**This extraordinary popularity arose not only from his high spirit and courtly manners, but from his uncommonly handsome appearance. One distinguishing feature, seemingly an object of great admiration, was a profusion of beautiful hair. Its extraordinary luxuriance compelled him to cut it "at every year's end;" lit., "at times," "from time to time," when it was found to weigh two hundred shekels--equal to one hundred twelve ounces troy; but as "the weight was after the king's shekel," which was less than the common shekel, the rate has been reduced as low as three pounds, two ounces [Bochart], and even less by others.
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Samuel 23:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.