("whom Jehovah builds up".) Son of Jehoiada, the chief priest (1 Chronicles 27:5), so of the tribe of Levi, though of Kabzeel in S. Judah (2 Samuel 23:20; 1 Chronicles 11:22; 1 Chronicles 11:25; 1 Chronicles 18:17; 1 Chronicles 27:6); set over David's body guard, the Cherethites and Pelethites (2 Samuel 8:18; 2 Samuel 20:23; 2 Samuel 23:20; 2 Samuel 23:22-23; 1 Kings 1:38). Midway between the first three of "the mighty men" (gibborim), and the 30 "valiant men of the armies." "Mighty among the 30, and above the 30."
        He earned his position by slaying "two lion-like men of Moab," and "a lion in a pit in a snowy day," and "an Egyptian of great stature, a goodly man (2 Samuel 23:21), five cubits high," out of whose hand he plucked the spear like a weaver's beam, "and slew him with his own spear" (1 Chronicles 11:22-23). Having remained faithful in Adonijah's rebellion (1 Kings 1:8; 1 Kings 1:10; 1 Kings 1:32-38; 1 Kings 1:44), and having by Solomon's command slain him and Joab, he was promoted to the latter's post as commander in chief (1 Kings 2:25; 1 Kings 2:34-35; 1 Kings 4:4). Jehoiada, father of Benaiah, was next after Ahithophel in David's court (1 Chronicles 27:34). Eight others of the name are mentioned.
        1. One of David's 30 "valiant men of the armies," the Pirathonite, an Ephraimite, captain of the 11th monthly course (2 Samuel 23:30; 1 Chronicles 11:31; 1 Chronicles 27:14).
        2. A Levite of David's time who "played with a psaltery on alamoth" (1 Chronicles 15:18-20; 1 Chronicles 16:5).
        3. A priest in David's time who blew the trumpet before the ark (1 Chronicles 15:24; 1 Chronicles 16:6).
        4. A Levite of the sons of Asaph (2 Chronicles 20:14).
        5. A Levite overseer of offerings, under Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 31:13).
        6. A prince in the family of Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:36).
        7. Four who took strange wives (Ezra 10:25; Ezra 10:30; Ezra 10:35; Ezra 10:43).
        8. Father of Pelatiah, a prince of the people, who gave presumptuous counsel against Ezekiel's inspired warnings, and was visited with death (Ezekiel 11).