Jim Gallagher

1 Kings 1:36-37
“Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king and said, ‘Amen! May the Lord God of my lord the king say so too. As the Lord has been with my lord the king, even so may He be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.’”

As David’s final days drew near, a dark and ominous cloud hung over the nation of Israel. Following in the footsteps of his brother Absalom, Adonijah exalted himself in an attempt to usurp the nation’s throne. He convinced the princes of Israel, as well as the army, to join his rebellion. However, the palace guard, prophets and the mighty men remained loyal to David and young prince Solomon. The nation of Israel found itself once again on the brink of a civil war that would cost the lives of thousands.

In the midst of all this chaos, we are re-introduced to Benaiah. We met him earlier in the story line, and found him to be one of David’s mighty men. We read in 2 Samuel that He “killed two lion-like heroes of Moab, a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day and an Egyptian, a spectacular man” with his own spear. Benaiah was well known in his day for his acts of valor, but the greatest battle he ever fought was in a totally different realm.

As the armies of Israel joined forces to attack the king, Benaiah stood before the Lord and interceded for his nation.“May the Lord God of my lord the king say so too. As the Lord has been with my lord the king, even so may He be with Solomon, and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.”

This short prayer may be what saved the kingdom from a brutal civil clash.

It is important to remember the value of prayer. Instead of being quick to grab the sword, or enter the physical battle, we need to be instant in prayer. We must remember that the real battles will be won on our knees, as we intercede on behalf of others. One man’s plea, can rescue a nation.

Pastor Jim