What happens when the king’s most obedient soldier is issued a wicked command? Benaiah is valiant against men and beasts. He is known for three heroic deeds that lead to his appointment in the elite force of David’s Mighty Men: aggressively going down into a pit on a snowy day to kill a lion; fighting two Moabite ariels; and challenging a giant Egyptian the size of David’s Goliath, armed with only a staff, and killing him with the man’s own spear. When David is crowned king, Benaiah is made his chief bodyguard and eventually head of the whole army of Israel under King Solomon. Reeling from the tragic cost of disobedience when he was young, Benaiah directs his life toward one chief aim: to be found a faithful, loyal, valiant and obedient soldier, servant of the King and follower of Yahweh. But when “just following orders” leads to his part in adultery, murder and death, he questions his life’s direction. If both obedience and disobedience cause death, how can he ever find redemption?

This is a book that both parents and children will love. It is both entertaining and educational. They will learn about patience and the ancient Hebrew alphabet found in the Bible on the book of Psalms 119:1-169 which has been tested and proven to enlighten and entertain little ones. I hope you enjoy this book because there are more to come.

Israel is in peril. King Saul has turned away from God. Rumors grow of a new king anointed in secret, waiting to come forth. Benaiah, a young priest, desires a simple life of marriage and priesthood. But when King Saul recruits him to hunt down the traitor from Bethlehem, Benaiah will find himself in the midst of a difficult choice. Will he stay loyal to his king, or will he join the revolution of Jesse's son?

Your greatest regret at the end of your life will be the lions you didn't chase. You will look back longingly on risks not taken, opportunities not seized, and dreams not pursued. Stop running away from what scares you most and start chasing the God-ordained opportunities that cross your path. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day is inspired by one of the most obscure yet courageous acts recorded in Scripture, a blessed and audacious act that left no regrets: “Benaiah chased a lion down into a pit. Then, despite the snow and slippery ground, he caught the lion and killed it” (2 Samuel 23:20 -21). Unleash the lion chaser within! #InAPit “Mark has become one of the most important voices for a new generation. Anything he touches changes lives. Read this book and you’ll see what I mean.” — Craig Groeschel, pastor of Life.Church, author of Chazown and Dare to Drop the Pose “As a leader and teacher, Mark Batterson brings imagination, energy, and insight. I appreciate his willingness to take bold risks and go to extraordinary lengths to reach our culture with a message that is truly relevant.” — Ed Young, senior pastor, Fellowship Church “Don’t settle for a normal life. Conquer your fears, accept His anointing, jump into that pit, chase the lion, and watch God’s Kingdom come in amazing ways.” — Christine Caine, founder of Propel Women, author of Unashamed

Benaiah Jones was born 31 May 1795 in Middlefield, Massachusetts. He married Lois Olds (1790-1875) 8 January 1818 in Painesville, Ohio. They had nine children. He moved to Texas in 1837 with his son, Croesus. Benaiah married Amanda Evans 9 April 1842 and they had five children. Benaiah was hanged in 1863 in Texas.