2-7. God’s Spirit spoke through me,his words took shape on my tongue.The God of Israel spoke to me,Israel’s Rock-Mountain said,“Whoever governs fairly and well,who rules in the Fear-of-God,Is like first light at daybreakwithout a cloud in the sky,Like green grass carpeting earth,glistening under fresh rain.”And this is just how my regime has been,for God guaranteed his covenant with me,Spelled it out plainlyand kept every promised word—My entire salvation,my every desire.But the devil’s henchmen are like thornsculled and piled as trash;Better not try to touch them;keep your distance with a rake or hoe.They’ll make a glorious bonfire!
20-21. Benaiah son of Jehoiada from Kabzeel was a vigorous man who accomplished a great deal. He once killed two lion cubs in Moab. Another time, on a snowy day, he climbed down into a pit and killed a lion. Another time he killed a formidable Egyptian. The Egyptian was armed with a spear and Benaiah went against him with nothing but a walking stick; he seized the spear from his grip and killed him with his own spear.
22-23. These are the things that Benaiah son of Jehoiada is famous for. But neither did he ever get ranked with the Three. He was held in greatest respect among the Thirty, but he never got included with the Three. David put him in charge of his bodyguard.