Day 162 – 2 Samuel 20:23-26

Scripture Review

2 Samuel 20:23-26

"Now Joab was over all the host of Israel: and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites:"

(2 Samuel 20:23)

Joab remains commander over the army. He killed Absalom against David's command. Then he murdered Amasa, the man David had appointed in his place. Yet here Joab is still over the host. He was useful, brave, and effective, but he was also dangerous, violent, and hard to control. David's kingdom is stable outwardly, but there is still an unresolved problem sitting near the center of power.

Benaiah the son of Jehoiada is also named. He was over the Cherethites and Pelethites. These were David's special guard or royal bodyguard, we would consider Secret Service, men closely connected with protecting the king and carrying out royal service.

"And Adoram was over the tribute: and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder:"

(2 Samuel 20:24)

Adoram is placed over the "tribute." Tribute refers to taxes, revenue, or forced labor owed to the king for the work of the kingdom. This reveals that David's kingdom is becoming a structured government with administration, labor, and public responsibility.

Then Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud is called the "recorder" who kept records, remembered important matters, maintained official history, and helped preserve government business. He was like a state historian or chief record keeper.

"And Sheva was scribe: and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests:"

(2 Samuel 20:25)

Sheva is listed as the scribe. Then Zadok and Abiathar are named as the priests. A heart after God knows that no kingdom, home, church, or life is truly settled unless God has His rightful place.

"And Ira also the Jairite was a chief ruler about David."

(2 Samuel 20:26)

Ira is a Jairite named as a "chief ruler about David." A chief ruler was a high-ranking officer, counselor, or close official near the king. The phrase "about David" suggests he served close to David personally. After all David has been through, he needs trusted servants near him. Joab is powerful but dangerous and I wouldn't trust him with folding my socks.