Benaiah בְּנָיָ֫הוּ
A Levite musician during the transfer of the ark.
Who is Benaiah in the Bible?
Benaiah was a Levite musician and gatekeeper who played a significant role during the transfer of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem under King David's reign, as described in 1 Chronicles 15 and 16. He was appointed to play the lyre alongside other skilled musicians (1Ch 15:18, 15:20) and also served as a gatekeeper responsible for the ark's security and proper handling (1Ch 15:24). During the celebratory procession after the ark's successful transfer, Benaiah continued his musical duties, playing the lyre before the ark (1Ch 16:5-6). His participation in this central act of worship highlights the important role that skilled Levites played in Israel's religious ceremonies and the restoration of proper worship during David's reign.
Biography
Benaiah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 15-16 as one of the Levites who participated in the transfer of the ark of the covenant from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem during the reign of King David. In 1Ch.15.18 and 20, Benaiah is listed among the Levites who were appointed to play the lyre, along with other musicians. This suggests that he was skilled in music and had a designated role in the worship and celebration surrounding the ark. In 1Ch.15.24, Benaiah is also mentioned as one of the gatekeepers for the ark, responsible for its security and proper handling. During the celebration after the ark's successful transfer, Benaiah is once again mentioned as a musician, playing the lyre before the ark (1Ch.16.5-6). These passages highlight Benaiah's multifaceted role as a Levite, serving as both a musician and a gatekeeper in the context of the ark's transfer and the accompanying worship.
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Chronicles 5 verses
- 1 Chronicles 15:18
"and with them their brothers next in rank: Zechariah, Jaaziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattithiah, Eliphelehu, Mikneiah, and the gatekeepers Obed-edom and Jeiel."
- 1 Chronicles 15:20
"Zechariah, Aziel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maaseiah, and Benaiah were to play the harps according to Alamoth."
- 1 Chronicles 15:24
"Shebaniah, Joshaphat, Nethanel, Amasai, Zechariah, Benaiah, and Eliezer—the priests—were to blow the trumpets before the ark of God. Obed-edom and Jehiah were also to be guardians of the ark."
- 1 Chronicles 16:5
"Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals"
- 1 Chronicles 16:6
"and the priests Benaiah and Jahaziel blew the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | בְּנָיָ֫הוּ |
Benaiah
y deeds" and was more honorable than any of the mighty men of David except the three chiefs. Therefore David made him his chief counselor (2Sa 23:23 m; month compare 1Ch 27:34 where the order of names seems to be reversed) and set him over the Cherethites (compare Carites, 2Ki 11:4 ff and margin) and Pelethites and he was made the 3rd captain of the host and chief over the course of the 3rd (1Ch 27:5 f; 2Sa 8:18; 20:23; 1Ch 18:17; 2Sa 23:20 ff; 11:22 ff). Being a true friend of David (compare 2Sa 15:18) he did not take part in the usurpation of Adonijah (1Ki 1:8,10,26), and was therefore with others chosen by the king to proclaim Solomon king over Israel (1Ki 1:32 ff) and later by Solomon to execute Adonijah (1Ki 2:25), Joab (1Ki 2:29 ff), and Shimei (1Ki 2:46). In recognition of his services Solomon appointed him over the host in Joab's place (1Ki 2:35; 4:4).
(2) Benaiah, a Pirathonite (compare Jud 12:13,15), was one of David's 30 mighty men (2Sa 23:30; 1Ch 11:31). He was captain over the course of the 11th month numbering 24,000 (1Ch 27:14).
(3) A ruler of the house of Simeon (1Ch 4:36).
(4) A Levite of second degree appointed as singer (1Ch 15:18) with "psalteries Set to Alamoth" (1Ch 15:20; 16:5).
(5) A priest appointed "to blow the trumpet before the ark of God" (1Ch 15:24; 16:6).
(6) The father of Jehoiada (1Ch 27:34), but see (1) above.
(7) An ancestor of Jahaziel of the house of Asaph (2Ch 20:14).
(8) An overseer in the service of Hezekiah (2Ch 31:13).
(9, 10, 11, 12) Four different men of Israel who had taken "strange wives" (Ezr 10:25,30,35,43).
(13) The father of Pelatiah who was seen by Ezekiel in his vision (Eze 11:1,13).
A. L. Breslich
(qeresh): Found only in English Versions of the Bible in Eze 27:6, in the prophet's "lamentation over Tyre": "They have made thy benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the isles of