What does 2 Samuel 23:21 mean?
"And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear." - 2 Samuel 23:21

The Bible verse 2 Samuel 23:21 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear."
This verse is part of a passage that lists the mighty men who served King David in battle. In this particular verse, we see the account of one of David's mighty men, Benaiah, who was known for his exceptional bravery and strength in battle.
In this verse, the Egyptian man is described as a "goodly man," which likely means that he was a strong and well-built warrior. The fact that the Egyptian had a spear in his hand suggests that he was a formidable opponent. However, Benaiah fearlessly faced the Egyptian, armed only with a staff. Despite the odds being stacked against him, Benaiah managed to disarm the Egyptian and then kill him with his own spear.
This account of Benaiah's bravery and skill in battle serves as an example of the fearless and unwavering loyalty that David's mighty men displayed in their service to him. It also highlights the theme of God's intervention and empowerment in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Benaiah's victory over the Egyptian warrior demonstrates that with God's help, even the most daunting adversaries can be overcome.
The passage as a whole serves to emphasize the exceptional qualities of David's mighty men, who were known for their unwavering loyalty, courage, and skill in battle. These men were not only fiercely dedicated to serving King David, but they were also devoted to upholding the values and principles of God's kingdom. The story of Benaiah and the Egyptian warrior serves as a powerful illustration of the kind of valor and determination that characterized these mighty men.
Symbolically, the Egyptian warrior can be seen as representing the forces of evil and opposition that God's people often face. In contrast, Benaiah represents the unwavering faith and courage that enables believers to stand firm against these forces. The act of disarming the Egyptian and killing him with his own spear can also be seen as a metaphor for overcoming the enemy by turning their own weapons and tactics against them.
In a broader context, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the power and faithfulness of God in equipping and empowering His people to face and overcome the challenges and adversaries they encounter. It speaks to the broader theme of God's sovereignty and the assurance that He will always provide His people with the strength and courage they need to stand firm in the face of opposition.
Overall, 2 Samuel 23:21 is a powerful and inspiring account of bravery, faith, and God's empowerment in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the unwavering loyalty and courage displayed by David's mighty men, and it offers encouragement to believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing that God is always with them, empowering them to overcome whatever challenges they may face.
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2 Samuel 23:21 - "And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear."
"And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear." - 2 Samuel 23:21
2 samuel 23:8-21
1 Samuel 23:21 - "And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me."
2 Samuel 23:38 - "Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite,"
2 Samuel 23:28 - "Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,"
2 Samuel 23:35 - "Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,"
2 Samuel 23:25 - "Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,"
2 Samuel 23:27 - "Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,"
2 Samuel 23:2 - "The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue."
2 Samuel 23:31 - "Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,"
2 Samuel 23:39 - "Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all."
2 Samuel 23:30 - "Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash,"
2 Samuel 21:21 - "And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him."
2 Samuel 23:32 - "Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,"
2 Samuel 23:33 - "Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,"
2 Samuel 23:14 - "And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth-lehem."
2 Samuel 23:26 - "Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,"
2 Samuel 23:36 - "Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,"
2 Samuel 23:23 - "He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard."
2 Samuel 14:23 - "So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem."
2 Samuel 23:37 - "Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,"
2 Samuel 5:21 - "And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them."
2 Samuel 6:23 - "Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death."
1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."
2 Samuel 23:34 - "Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,"
"And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me." - 1 Samuel 23:21
2 Samuel 21:11 - "And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done."
2 Samuel 23:24 - "Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Beth-lehem,"
2 Samuel 13:21 - "ΒΆ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth."