¹⁸ Benaiah^(A) son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites^(B) and Pelethites; and David’s sons were priests.^[a]

David’s Officials

²³ Joab^(A) was over Israel’s entire army; Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites;

²⁰ Benaiah^(A) son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel,^(B) performed great exploits. He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. ²¹ And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear. ²² Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty warriors. ²³ He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.

⁸ But Zadok^(A) the priest, Benaiah^(B) son of Jehoiada, Nathan^(C) the prophet, Shimei^(D) and Rei and David’s special guard^(E) did not join Adonijah.

¹⁷ Benaiah son of Jehoiada was over the Kerethites and Pelethites;^(A) and David’s sons were chief officials at the king’s side.

³⁴ Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah and by Abiathar.^(A)

Joab^(B) was the commander of the royal army.