1 Chronicles 11:23

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.

Study Bible

He also struck down an Egyptian, a huge man five cubits tall.
This phrase highlights the remarkable feat of Benaiah, one of David's mighty warriors. The Egyptian's height, approximately 7.5 feet (2.3 meters), emphasizes the formidable nature of the opponent. Such a description recalls the account of Goliath, another giant faced by David himself, drawing a parallel between David's and Benaiah's courage and faith. The mention of an Egyptian may also symbolize a foreign threat, as Egypt was historically an adversary of Israel. This victory over a giant foreigner underscores God's empowerment of His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver’s beam in his hand,
The comparison of the spear to a weaver's beam suggests its massive size and weight, similar to the description of Goliath's spear in 1 Samuel 17:7. This detail emphasizes the Egyptian's strength and the daunting challenge Benaiah faced. The weaver's beam, a large and sturdy piece of equipment, signifies the advanced weaponry and military prowess of the Egyptian, making Benaiah's victory even more impressive. This imagery serves to highlight the theme of God enabling His chosen servants to triumph over powerful adversaries.

Benaiah went against him with a club,
Benaiah's choice of a club, a seemingly inferior weapon compared to the spear, illustrates his bravery and resourcefulness. This scenario echoes the biblical theme of God using the weak or humble to confound the strong, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:27. Benaiah's willingness to confront the Egyptian with a less formidable weapon demonstrates his reliance on God's strength rather than human might. This act of faith and courage is reminiscent of David's confrontation with Goliath, where faith in God was the true weapon.

snatched the spear from his hand,
This action signifies Benaiah's skill and agility in combat, as well as his ability to turn the enemy's strength against him. The act of disarming the Egyptian highlights the theme of divine intervention and wisdom granted to God's servants. It also reflects the biblical principle that God can transform the tools of the enemy into instruments of victory for His people, as seen in the story of David and Goliath, where David used Goliath's own sword to defeat him.

and killed the Egyptian with his own spear.
The conclusion of this encounter demonstrates the complete reversal of power, where the weapon intended to harm becomes the means of deliverance. This mirrors the biblical motif of God turning the plans of the wicked against themselves, as seen in the story of Haman in the Book of Esther. Benaiah's victory serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises to protect and empower His people. This act also prefigures the ultimate victory of Jesus Christ, who, through His death and resurrection, defeated sin and death using the very instrument of His crucifixion.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Benaiah
A valiant warrior from Kabzeel, known for his bravery and loyalty to King David. He was one of David's mighty men and later became the commander of Solomon's army.

2. The Egyptian
An unnamed giant warrior, described as being five cubits tall (approximately 7.5 feet), who was defeated by Benaiah.

3. The Battle
A confrontation between Benaiah and the Egyptian, showcasing Benaiah's courage and skill in combat.

Teaching Points

Courage in the Face of Giants
Benaiah's encounter with the Egyptian teaches us the importance of courage and faith when facing overwhelming challenges. Just as Benaiah did not back down, we are called to stand firm in our faith.

Using What You Have
Benaiah used a club to defeat a spear-wielding giant, demonstrating resourcefulness and the ability to use what God has given us to overcome obstacles.

God's Empowerment
The account illustrates that God empowers His people to achieve great victories, even when the odds are against them. Trusting in God's strength is crucial for spiritual battles.

Role of Preparation
Benaiah's success was not just due to bravery but also skill and preparation. We must prepare ourselves spiritually through prayer, study, and obedience to God's Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Benaiah's encounter with the Egyptian inspire you to face your own "giants" in life? What practical steps can you take to apply this courage?

2. In what ways can you use the resources and abilities God has given you to overcome challenges, as Benaiah did with his club?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by God to achieve something difficult. How can this experience strengthen your faith in future challenges?

4. How does the account of Benaiah relate to the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6? What pieces of the armor do you need to focus on in your current spiritual journey?

5. Consider the role of preparation in Benaiah's victory. What spiritual disciplines can you incorporate into your life to better prepare for the battles you face?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Samuel 23:20-21
This passage provides a parallel account of Benaiah's exploits, including his encounter with the Egyptian, highlighting his role among David's mighty men.

1 Samuel 17
The account of David and Goliath shares similarities with Benaiah's encounter, emphasizing the theme of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds through faith and courage.

Ephesians 6:10-17
The armor of God passage connects to the idea of spiritual warfare and the need for divine strength and protection, much like Benaiah's reliance on skill and courage.