Ariel אֲרִיאֵל
Two lion-like men of Moab killed by Benaiah
Who is Ariel in the Bible?
Ariel in the Bible refers to two lion-like warriors from Moab who were killed by Benaiah, one of King David's mighty men. According to 2 Samuel 23:20 and 1 Chronicles 11:22, Benaiah struck down these two "Ariel" of Moab as part of his notable military achievements. The term "Ariel" is not a proper name but a descriptive epithet meaning "lion of God" or "lion-like," emphasizing the strength and ferocity of these Moabite warriors. The brief biblical account of their defeat by Benaiah highlights his exceptional courage and skill, demonstrating why he held such a prominent place among David's elite fighting force.
Biography
In 2Sa.23.20 and 1Ch.11.22, the term "Ariel" is used to describe two warriors from Moab who were killed by Benaiah, one of King David's mighty men. The passage states that Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel who performed great exploits. Among his notable achievements, he struck down two "Ariel" of Moab.
The term "Ariel" in this context is not a proper name but rather a descriptive term meaning "lion of God" or "lion-like." It is used to emphasize the strength, courage, and ferocity of these Moabite warriors. The fact that Benaiah defeated two of these formidable fighters highlights his exceptional skill and bravery as a warrior in David's army.
Apart from this brief mention, no further details are provided about the identity, background, or specific circumstances surrounding Benaiah's encounter with these Moabite warriors. The passage serves to showcase Benaiah's prowess and loyalty to King David, as well as to illustrate the might of David's elite group of warriors known as "The Thirty."
In Scripture
2 biblical books2 Samuel 1 verse
- 2 Samuel 23:20
"And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion."
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 11:22
"And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲרִיאֵל |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | אֲרִיאֵל |
Ariel
(1) According to the Revised Version (British and American) a man of Moab whose two sons were slain by David's warrior Benaiah the son of Jehoiada (2Sa 23:20; 1Ch 11:22). Here the King James Version translates "two lionlike men of Moab."
(2) A name applied to Jerusalem (Isa 29:1,2,7). The many explanations of the name are interesting, but mainly conjectural.
(3) One of the members of the delegation sent by Ezra to the place Casiphia, to secure temple ministers for his expedition to Jerusalem (Ezr 8:16).
Willis J. Beecher