In Part 3 of Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah: Kohen and Warrior, we continue with the dramatic opening of Shlomo HaMelech’s reign and the final reckoning with the unresolved enemies of Dovid HaMelech. The episode begins with Beniyahu carrying out Shlomo’s command to kill Yoav, the powerful general who had fled to the Mizbeach, and explores the deeper meaning of why Yoav’s downfall was necessary for the kingdom to be stabilized. From there, Beniyahu is elevated to become the new general of the army, taking the place of Yoav as the trusted military arm of Shlomo HaMelech. The episode then turns to Shimi ben Geira, whose earlier rebellion against Dovid now reaches its conclusion when he violates Shlomo’s warning and is executed by Beniyahu.

The second half of the episode shifts into one of the most mysterious and legendary parts of Shlomo HaMelech’s story: the search for the Shamir worm, the miraculous creature needed for the building of the Beis HaMikdash. This leads into the astonishing mission of Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah as he captures Ashmedai, the king of the demons for King Shlomo.

00:00 - Intro

00:42 - Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah kills Yoav

12:00 - Beniyahu becomes General of Army

13:13 - Beniyahu kills Shimi Ben Geira

37:40 - Beniyahu and the Shamir Worm

46:38 - Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah Captures Ashmedai

In Part 2, the spotlight shifts to the dramatic succession struggle that followed the final days of Dovid Hamelech. The episode begins with Adoniyahu’s attempt to seize the throne and the efforts of Beniyahu and other loyalists who remained faithful to Dovid’s chosen successor. As the crisis unfolds, Dovid acts decisively, ordering that Shlomo be publicly anointed as king. The podcast explores this historic coronation and the final instructions Dovid delivers to his son, providing guidance on leadership, justice, and the unfinished matters that would shape the future of the kingdom.

The second half follows the challenges facing the newly crowned King Shlomo. When Adoniyahu launches another bid for power, Beniyahu is entrusted with carrying out the king’s judgment, demonstrating both his loyalty and his willingness to enforce difficult decisions. The episode also examines the banishment of Evyasar HaKohen, marking the end of a priestly dynasty and the fulfillment of earlier prophecies.

Finally, attention turns to Yoav, who realizes that his past actions have left him vulnerable under the new regime. Fearing retribution, he flees to the altar seeking refuge, setting the stage for one of the most consequential confrontations of Shlomo’s reign and further cementing Beniyahu’s role as both guardian of the kingdom and servant of justice.

00:00 - Intro

00:27 - Rebellion of Adoniyahu

08:03 - Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah and the Loyalists

10:08 - Dovid Hamelech has Shlomo Annointed as King

18:36 - King Dovid's Final Instructions to King Shlomo

21:37 - Adoniyahu Rebels Again

26:07 - Adoniyahu is Punished by Beniyahu

29:24 - King Shlomo Banishes Evyasar HaKohen

35:02 - Yoav Fears King Shlomo and Flees to the Altar

In Beniyahu Ben Yehoyadah (Part 1), the episode introduces one of the most fascinating and paradoxical figures in Tanach, a Kohen who rose to prominence as a fearless warrior.

We begin with Beniyahu’s early life and the influence of his father. As a loyal soldier of Dovid Hamelech, Beniyahu emerges among the elite fighters, including the famous episode of the three warriors who risked their lives to draw water for the king. His rise continues as he is appointed commander of the Kreisi and Pleisi, positioning him at the heart of Dovid’s military leadership.The episode then broadens to the turbulent political and military landscape of Dovid Hamelech’s reign. During Avsholom’s rebellion, shifting loyalties lead to Achitophel's death and Yoav’s temporary demotion, opening space for other leaders like Beniyahu to rise.

The chaos continues with the rebellion of Sheva ben Bichri and the controversial assassination of Ammasa.

The episode concludes with a deep analysis of the verses describing Beniyahu’s legendary feats, unpacking both their literal meaning and the deeper significance behind his extraordinary acts of strength and devotion.

00:00 - Intro and Questions

01:54 - Early Life of Beniyahu and his Father

05:41 - A Loyal Soldier for Dovid Hamelech

07:17 - The Three Who Drew Water

20:25 - Commander of the Kreisi and Pleisi

23:08 - The Military Leadership of Dovid Hamelech

25:10 - Avsholom's Rebellion and Yoav's Demotion

32:46 - Rebellion of Sheva Ben Bichri and Assassination of Ammasa

38:11 - The Verses of the Mighty Feats of Beniyahu (and the meaning behind them)

Leilu Nishmas Dina Elka bas Tzvi Hirsh