1 Chronicles 11:23

And he slew an Egyptian, a man of [great] stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand [was] a spear like a weaver's beam; and 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.

And he slew {H5221} an Egyptian {H4713}, a man {H376} of great stature {H4060}, five {H2568} cubits {H520} high; and in the Egyptian's {H4713} hand {H3027} was a spear {H2595} like a weaver's {H707} beam {H4500}; and he went down {H3381} to him with a staff {H7626}, and plucked {H1497} the spear {H2595} out of the Egyptian's {H4713} hand {H3027}, and slew {H2026} him with his own spear {H2595}.

Here is how he killed an Egyptian, a man who was very tall, seven-and-a-half feet: the Egyptian had a spear in his hand the size of a weaver's beam; he went down to him with only a stick, seized the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear.

He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man five cubits tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s beam in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear.

And he slew an Egyptian, a man of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian’s hand was a spear like a weaver’s beam; and 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.

Commentary

1 Chronicles 11:23 recounts one of the most remarkable feats of Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, a highly esteemed warrior among King David's mighty men. This verse highlights his extraordinary courage and skill in overcoming a formidable opponent, emphasizing the valor that characterized David's elite forces.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed list of David's most powerful and brave warriors, found in 1 Chronicles 11:10-47. Benaiah is introduced in 1 Chronicles 11:22, where his other heroic deeds, such as slaying two lion-like men of Moab and a lion in a pit on a snowy day, are also recorded. The account of Benaiah's victory over the Egyptian giant is also paralleled in 2 Samuel 23:21, underscoring the historical significance and impact of this event within Israel's military history.

Key Themes

  • Exceptional Valor and Courage: Benaiah's willingness to confront a giant, described as "five cubits high" (approximately 7.5 feet or 2.3 meters) and wielding a spear "like a weaver's beam" (a massive, heavy weapon), with only a staff demonstrates unparalleled bravery and a fearless spirit.
  • Resourcefulness and Skill: His tactic of disarming the giant and using the enemy's own weapon against him showcases remarkable ingenuity, quick thinking, and superior combat prowess. This echoes the strategic victory seen in David's triumph over Goliath, where a seemingly weaker opponent overcomes a superior foe through unconventional means.
  • Overcoming Overwhelming Odds: The narrative vividly portrays Benaiah's victory as a triumph against a physically superior and better-armed adversary, highlighting the power of skill, determination, and perhaps divine favor.

Linguistic Insights

  • The measurement "five cubits high" vividly portrays the immense stature of the Egyptian giant, making Benaiah's victory all the more astonishing. A "cubit" was an ancient unit of measure, typically ranging from 17 to 22 inches, making five cubits a truly formidable height.
  • The phrase "spear like a weaver's beam" is a powerful simile. A "weaver's beam" was a thick, heavy wooden roller used in weaving, implying that the Egyptian's spear was exceptionally large, heavy, and difficult to wield, further emphasizing the challenge Benaiah faced.

Practical Application

Benaiah's story in 1 Chronicles 11:23 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Facing Your "Giants": Just as Benaiah confronted a literal giant, we often face metaphorical "giants" in our lives—overwhelming challenges, fears, temptations, or difficult circumstances. This verse encourages us to confront them with courage and faith, even when seemingly ill-equipped.
  • Resourcefulness in Adversity: Benaiah's ingenuity reminds us to be resourceful and strategic in our battles. Sometimes, the key to overcoming an obstacle lies in using unexpected methods or even turning the enemy's own strengths against them.
  • God's Strength in Weakness: While Benaiah's skill was evident, such extraordinary feats often point to a divine enablement. The narrative can inspire us to trust that with God's strength, seemingly impossible tasks can be accomplished, echoing the principle that God's strength is made perfect in weakness.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 17:7 (3 votes)

    And the staff of his spear [was] like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head [weighed] six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.

  • 1 Samuel 17:51 (2 votes)

    Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.

  • 1 Samuel 17:4 (2 votes)

    And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height [was] six cubits and a span.

  • 1 Chronicles 20:5 (2 votes)

    And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff [was] like a weaver's beam.

  • Deuteronomy 3:11 (2 votes)

    For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead [was] a bedstead of iron; [is] it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits [was] the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.