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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Now Joab {H3097} was over all the host {H6635} of Israel {H3478}: and Benaiah {H1141} the son {H1121} of Jehoiada {H3077} was over the Cherethites {H3774}{H3746} and over the Pelethites {H6432}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Once again Yo'av was commander over the whole army of Isra'el, while B'nayah the son of Y'hoyada was over the K'reti and P'leti,

Berean Standard Bible

Now Joab was over the whole army of Israel; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and Pelethites;

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 20:23 serves as a concise administrative summary, strategically placed at the conclusion of a tumultuous period in David's reign, particularly following the suppression of Sheba's rebellion. This verse reaffirms the established military hierarchy of the kingdom, highlighting the enduring roles of key figures like Joab and Benaiah, thereby signaling a return to order and stability after significant internal strife. It underscores the continuity of David's core leadership, even amidst the recent challenges to his throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears as the concluding statement to a dramatic and violent chapter in David's reign, immediately following the quashing of Sheba's rebellion in [2 Samuel 20](/2_samuel/20 "2 Samuel 20 - Sheba's Rebellion"). The preceding narrative details the lingering unrest after Absalom's revolt, culminating in Sheba's attempt to fragment Israel. Joab's decisive, albeit brutal, actions in pursuing and executing Sheba, including the killing of Amasa, set the stage for this administrative summary. The verse functions as an epilogue to these events, providing a sense of closure and a return to the established order before the narrative shifts to a collection of miscellaneous accounts in [2 Samuel 21-24](/2_samuel/21 "2 Samuel 21 - Famine and Giants"). It mirrors earlier lists of David's officials (e.g., [2 Samuel 8:16-18](/2_samuel/8-16 "2 Samuel 8:16-18 - David's Officials")), emphasizing the continuity of his administration despite the recent upheavals.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) was characterized by both expansion and internal conflict. The period leading up to this verse was particularly challenging, marked by Absalom's rebellion ([2 Samuel 15-18](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")) and the subsequent revolt of Sheba. In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, a strong and loyal military was paramount for maintaining power and national security. The "host of Israel" refers to the general Israelite army, composed of conscripts and professional soldiers. The "Cherethites and Pelethites" were David's elite personal bodyguard, often understood as foreign mercenaries (likely from Crete and Philistia, respectively) renowned for their unwavering loyalty to the king, especially evident during Absalom's rebellion when they remained steadfast ([2 Samuel 15:18](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15:18 - David's Loyal Guard")). Their distinct roles reflect a sophisticated military organization designed to ensure both national defense and royal protection.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes emerging from this verse include **Continuity and Stability** in governance, even after severe challenges to the throne. The reaffirmation of Joab and Benaiah in their critical roles signifies that David's kingdom has weathered the storm and reasserted its authority. This speaks to the resilience of David's administration and, implicitly, God's continued providence over His chosen king. Another key theme is **Loyalty and Trust**, particularly emphasized by Benaiah's command over the Cherethites and Pelethites, whose unwavering devotion to David was legendary. This highlights the indispensable nature of trusted personnel in maintaining royal power and national security. Finally, the verse offers a glimpse into the **Military Organization** of David's kingdom, distinguishing between the broader national army and the specialized, highly loyal royal guard, underscoring the practical aspects of maintaining order and defense in ancient Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Host (Hebrew, _tsava'_):** This term, צָבָא (_tsava'_), literally means "army" or "military force." In this context, it refers to the entire fighting force of Israel, distinguishing it from the king's personal guard. Joab's position "over all the host of Israel" signifies his role as commander-in-chief, responsible for the general mobilization, strategy, and leadership of the national army. This was a position of immense power and influence, reflecting his long-standing and often controversial service to David.
* **Cherethites and Pelethites (Hebrew, _Kerethi_ and _Pelethi_):** These names, כְּרֵתִי (_Kerethi_) and פְּלֵתִי (_Pelethi_), refer to David's elite personal bodyguard. While their exact origin is debated, they are widely believed to be foreign mercenaries, possibly from Crete (Cherethites) and Philistia (Pelethites), known for their absolute loyalty to David. Unlike the general "host," their primary function was the direct protection of the king and his household. Benaiah's command over this unit signifies his close proximity to David and his crucial role in ensuring the king's personal safety and the stability of his immediate court.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now Joab [was] over all the host of Israel:"** This clause reconfirms Joab's supreme military authority as David's commander-in-chief. Despite his recent controversial actions, such as the killing of Absalom ([2 Samuel 18:14](/2_samuel/18-14 "2 Samuel 18:14 - Joab kills Absalom")) and Amasa ([2 Samuel 20:10](/2_samuel/20-10 "2 Samuel 20:10 - Joab kills Amasa")), David evidently recognized Joab's indispensable military prowess and strategic acumen. His continued leadership over the entire national army underscores his unique and powerful position within the kingdom, a testament to David's reliance on his effectiveness in maintaining order and security.
* **"and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:"** This second clause details Benaiah's significant role as the commander of David's elite personal guard. The Cherethites and Pelethites were the most trusted and loyal unit, responsible for the king's immediate safety. Benaiah's appointment to this crucial position highlights his rising prominence and trustworthiness in David's court. This role would later serve as a stepping stone for Benaiah to become Solomon's chief commander, replacing Joab ([1 Kings 2:34-35](/1_kings/2-34 "1 Kings 2:34-35 - Benaiah replaces Joab")). His command over this highly specialized and loyal unit underscores the importance of personal security for the monarch in ancient Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily functions as a **Summary Statement** or **Administrative Reaffirmation**. It provides a concise, almost tabular, overview of the key military leadership positions at a critical juncture, signaling a return to normalcy and established order after a period of intense chaos. The text employs **Juxtaposition** by presenting the two primary military leaders and their respective commands side-by-side, highlighting the dual nature of David's military structure: the broad national army and the specialized royal guard. This succinct presentation also serves as a form of **Closure**, bringing the narrative of rebellion and its suppression to a tidy administrative conclusion before the book transitions to a collection of appendices. The very act of listing these appointments after such turmoil serves as a **Reaffirmation** of David's authority and the stability of his kingdom, demonstrating that despite the challenges, the core structures of his rule remained intact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly administrative verse carries significant theological weight, subtly affirming God's providential hand in maintaining order and stability, even through human leaders with their inherent flaws. It illustrates that God uses established structures and appointed individuals, however imperfect, to achieve His purposes for a nation. The continuity of leadership, particularly after the severe trials of Absalom and Sheba's rebellions, can be seen as a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, ensuring the preservation of his kingdom and lineage. It reminds us that even in times of great chaos, God is at work, orchestrating events and upholding His divine order through human instruments.

* [1 Kings 2:34](/1_kings/2-34 "1 Kings 2:34 - Benaiah replaces Joab")
* [2 Samuel 8:18](/2_samuel/8-18 "2 Samuel 8:18 - David's Officials List")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Samuel 20:23, while a brief administrative note, offers profound lessons on leadership, stability, and divine providence. It highlights the necessity of clear, defined roles and loyal individuals in maintaining order within any organization, whether a kingdom, a church, or a family. Even after periods of intense conflict and betrayal, the re-establishment of reliable structures and trusted leadership is crucial for healing and progress. For believers, this verse can serve as a reminder that God often works through imperfect human systems and leaders to accomplish His will. It challenges us to consider our own roles within our communities and organizations: are we committed to loyalty, stability, and effective service, even when circumstances are difficult? It also invites us to trust in God's overarching sovereignty, knowing that He can bring order out of chaos and sustain His purposes through the most unlikely of instruments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the reaffirmation of Joab and Benaiah's roles speak to the importance of stability and continuity in leadership, even after significant upheaval?**
* **What does the loyalty of the Cherethites and Pelethites, under Benaiah, teach us about the value of unwavering commitment in service?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals or communities, contribute to the re-establishment of order and trust after periods of conflict or disruption?**
* **How does this historical account encourage us to trust in God's providence, even when human leaders are flawed or circumstances are chaotic?**

### FAQ
**Why is this verse included at this specific point in the narrative?**

Answer: This verse functions as a concluding administrative summary for the tumultuous events of [2 Samuel 15-20](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion"). After the devastating rebellion of Absalom and the subsequent revolt of Sheba, the kingdom of David had experienced profound instability and internal strife. By reaffirming the key military appointments of Joab and Benaiah, the verse signals a return to order, stability, and the re-establishment of David's authority. It serves as an important literary device, providing a sense of closure to the narrative of rebellion before the book transitions into a collection of miscellaneous appendices in [2 Samuel 21-24](/2_samuel/21 "2 Samuel 21 - Famine and Giants"). It emphasizes that despite the challenges, the core structures of David's government remained intact.

**Who were the Cherethites and Pelethites, and why were they significant?**

Answer: The Cherethites and Pelethites were David's elite personal bodyguard, distinguished from the general Israelite army. They are widely believed to be foreign mercenaries, possibly from Crete (Cherethites) and Philistia (Pelethites), recruited for their military prowess and, crucially, their unwavering loyalty to David. Unlike many Israelites who wavered during Absalom's rebellion, the Cherethites and Pelethites remained steadfastly with David, accompanying him during his flight from Jerusalem ([2 Samuel 15:18](/2_samuel/15-18 "2 Samuel 15:18 - David's Loyal Guard")). Their significance lies in their absolute devotion to the king, making them the most trusted unit for his personal protection and the enforcement of his will. Benaiah's command over them underscores his own trusted position within David's inner circle.

**Why did Joab remain as commander-in-chief despite his controversial actions?**

Answer: Joab was David's nephew and a highly effective, albeit ruthless, military commander. Despite his controversial actions, such as the killing of Absalom ([2 Samuel 18:14](/2_samuel/18-14 "2 Samuel 18:14 - Joab kills Absalom")) against David's explicit orders, and the assassination of Amasa ([2 Samuel 20:10](/2_samuel/20-10 "2 Samuel 20:10 - Joab kills Amasa")), Joab's military genius and indispensability to David's kingdom were undeniable. He consistently secured victories and maintained order, even when David himself was indecisive or emotionally compromised. David, while often displeased with Joab's methods, recognized his pragmatic necessity for the stability and security of his reign. This verse, therefore, reflects David's continued reliance on Joab's unique capabilities, even if it came with moral complexities.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Samuel 20:23, in its depiction of a king re-establishing order and appointing loyal commanders, foreshadows the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies leadership, stability, and unwavering authority. While David's reign was marked by human flaws, internal strife, and the necessity of maintaining order through force, Christ's reign is one of perfect peace, justice, and eternal stability. He is the true Commander of God's people, not merely over an earthly "host of Israel," but over the spiritual Israel, His Church, gathered from every nation, tribe, and tongue. Just as Benaiah commanded a loyal guard, Christ commands a people whose loyalty is not based on mercenary service but on transformed hearts, freely given in response to His redeeming love. The peace and order that David sought to re-establish through human appointments find their ultimate and eternal fulfillment in the Kingdom of God, where Christ reigns supreme, having conquered sin and death, and establishing a realm of righteousness that will never be shaken ([Hebrews 1:8](/hebrews/1-8 "Hebrews 1:8 - Christ's Eternal Throne")). He is the true "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the "King of kings and Lord of lords" who leads the armies of heaven to final victory ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Victorious Warrior")), ensuring perfect order and eternal security for all who follow Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 8:16

And Joab the son of Zeruiah [was] over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud [was] recorder;

2 Samuel 8:18

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was over] both the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and David's sons were chief rulers.

1 Chronicles 18:15

And Joab the son of Zeruiah [was] over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, recorder.

1 Chronicles 18:17

And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada [was] over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the sons of David [were] chief about the king.

1 Kings 4:3

Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder.

1 Kings 4:6

And Ahishar [was] over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda [was] over the tribute.