Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Samuel 23:20

"And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, he slew the two [sons of] Ariel of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow." — 2 Samuel 23:20 (ASV)

Benaiah. He was the general of the third division of the army (1 Chronicles 27:5–6). This probably included the Cherethites and Pelethites, since he was also their commander (2 Samuel 8:18; 2 Samuel 20:23). In consequence of his faithfulness to Solomon in the rebellion of Adonijah, he was finally made commander-in-chief (1 Kings 1:8; 1 Kings 1:26; 1 Kings 1:32; 1 Kings 2:25; 1 Kings 2:29–35; 1 Kings 4:4). His father Jehoiada is called “a chief priest” in 1 Chronicles 27:5, and in 1 Chronicles 12:27 mention is made of a “Jehoiada the leader of the Aaronites,” who came to David at Hebron, and who may have been the same person.

Kabzeel. A town on the extreme south of Judah, on the border of Edom (Joshua 15:21).

Lion-like men. Literally, lion of God, an expression used among Arabs and Persians of great warriors.

Slew a lion. (Compare to 1 Samuel 17:34–37). It is not said with what weapons he slew him, but the act was evidently a great feat of valour.