2 Samuel 21:19

Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.

Study Bible

Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob
The Philistines were a recurring adversary of Israel, often engaging in battles throughout the Old Testament. Gob is mentioned as a location of conflict, though its exact location is uncertain. This phrase indicates the ongoing struggle between Israel and the Philistines, highlighting the persistent threat they posed. The Philistines were known for their military prowess and advanced weaponry, which often put Israel at a disadvantage. This context sets the stage for the heroism and divine intervention often seen in these battles.

and Elhanan son of Jair the Bethlehemite
Elhanan is identified as the son of Jair and a Bethlehemite, linking him to Bethlehem, the same town as King David. This connection to Bethlehem is significant, as it is a town with a rich biblical history, including being the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah (Micah 5:2). Elhanan's lineage and hometown may suggest a connection to the Davidic line, emphasizing the importance of Bethlehem in God's redemptive plan.

killed the brother of Goliath the Gittite
This phrase clarifies a common textual issue, as some manuscripts and translations suggest Elhanan killed Goliath himself. However, this passage specifies that Elhanan killed the brother of Goliath, maintaining consistency with 1 Chronicles 20:5, which names the brother as Lahmi. Goliath, the giant slain by David, was a Gittite, indicating he was from Gath, a major Philistine city. This connection to Goliath underscores the ongoing threat of the Philistines and the continued valor of Israelite warriors.

the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam
This description of the spear's shaft being like a weaver's beam emphasizes the formidable nature of the Philistine warriors. A weaver's beam was a large, heavy piece of equipment, suggesting the immense size and strength of the opponent. This imagery is reminiscent of the description of Goliath's weaponry in 1 Samuel 17:7, drawing a parallel between the two battles and highlighting the recurring theme of God empowering His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elhanan
A warrior from Bethlehem, identified as the son of Jaare-oregim. He is credited with killing Goliath the Gittite in this passage.

2. Jaare-oregim
The father of Elhanan, mentioned in this passage. His name is of Hebrew origin, and not much else is known about him.

3. Goliath the Gittite
A Philistine warrior, famously known for his encounter with David. This passage attributes his death to Elhanan, which has been a subject of textual discussion.

4. Philistines
A recurring enemy of Israel, known for their conflicts with the Israelites throughout the Old Testament.

5. Gob
The location of the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. It is mentioned in the context of several battles in the books of Samuel.

Teaching Points

Understanding Textual Variations
The apparent contradiction between 2 Samuel 21:19 and 1 Chronicles 20:5 invites us to explore the importance of cross-referencing scripture and understanding textual transmission.

The Role of Lesser-Known Heroes
Elhanan's account reminds us that God uses many people, not just the most famous, to accomplish His purposes. We should be open to serving God in whatever capacity He calls us.

The Continuation of Spiritual Battles
The repeated battles with the Philistines symbolize the ongoing spiritual battles we face. We must remain vigilant and rely on God's strength.

The Importance of Context
Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical events helps us grasp the full meaning of the scriptures and apply them accurately to our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Elhanan in 2 Samuel 21:19 challenge or enhance your understanding of the account of David and Goliath?

2. What can we learn from the fact that multiple individuals are credited with defeating giants in the Bible?

3. How does the concept of ongoing battles with the Philistines relate to the spiritual battles we face today?

4. In what ways can we ensure that we are accurately interpreting scripture, especially when faced with apparent contradictions?

5. How can the account of Elhanan inspire us to serve God faithfully, even if our contributions seem small or go unnoticed?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Chronicles 20:5
This verse provides a parallel account of the event, naming Elhanan as the slayer of Lahmi, the brother of Goliath. This helps clarify the textual discrepancy in 2 Samuel 21:19.

1 Samuel 17
The famous account of David and Goliath, which provides context for the mention of Goliath in 2 Samuel 21:19.

2 Samuel 21:15-22
This passage describes a series of battles with the Philistines, highlighting the ongoing conflict and the valor of David's warriors.