After a turbulent period of plots and rebellions that threatened to tear the kingdom apart, David's rule is firmly re-established. The list of the king's ministers echoes a similar roster from the beginning of his reign. This highlights the renewed stability of the monarchy following the defeat of Absalom and Sheba son of Bichri, making it feel as though David has just been crowned anew [רד״ק, אברבנאל].
The confirmation of Joab as the commander of the entire Israelite army hides a deep political struggle. The primary approach among commentators is that David actually planned to dismiss Joab and appoint Amasa in his place, as a consequence of Joab killing Absalom. However, Joab shifted the balance of power by murdering Amasa and successfully crushing the rebellion of Sheba son of Bichri. These actions earned him massive popular support and immense power. Recognizing Joab's newfound influence and pride in his victories, David realized he could no longer remove him. Consequently, despite the king's original intentions, Joab retained his position as the sole military leader, exactly as he had been before [מלבי״ם, רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק, חומת אנך, אברבנאל].
Alongside the primary army, Benaiah son of Jehoiada is placed in charge of the Cherethites and the Pelethites. There are two distinct ways to understand his role and the identity of these groups. One perspective views this as a military appointment. In this view, Benaiah, known as one of David's mighty warriors, commanded specialized foreign forces or elite archers and slingers [רד״ק]. These troops maintained personal loyalty to the king and operated completely independently of Joab's command [ביאור שטיינזלץ].
An alternative approach offers a spiritual and legal understanding. Since Joab was already in charge of the entire military, this view suggests the Cherethites and Pelethites were not soldiers at all. Instead, they were the exceptional sages of the Sanhedrin who decided matters of Torah law, with Benaiah, a priest, serving as their head [רלב״ג]. Ultimately, the pairing of Joab and Benaiah in these high-ranking roles demonstrates that despite the severe shocks the kingdom endured, its stability was secured by keeping its most senior leadership intact [מלבי״ם, אברבנאל].