The term "Gilonite" refers to an inhabitant of the ancient city of Giloh, which is mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. Giloh was located in the hill country of Judah, and its people are identified as Gilonites. The most notable Gilonite mentioned in the Scriptures is Ahithophel, a counselor to King David.

Ahithophel the Gilonite

Ahithophel is introduced in the Bible as a trusted advisor to King David. His wisdom and counsel were highly esteemed, as noted in 2 Samuel 16:23 : "Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was like one who inquires of the word of God; so was all the advice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom."

Ahithophel's account takes a significant turn during the rebellion of Absalom, David's son. Despite his previous loyalty to David, Ahithophel chose to side with Absalom in his attempt to usurp the throne. This decision is recorded in 2 Samuel 15:12 : "While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his city of Giloh. And the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing."

Ahithophel's defection is often seen as a profound betrayal, given his close relationship with David. His counsel to Absalom was strategic and aimed at securing Absalom's success. However, when his advice was not followed, Ahithophel foresaw the failure of the rebellion. In a tragic end, Ahithophel took his own life, as described in 2 Samuel 17:23 : "When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb."

Significance of the Gilonite Identity

The identity of Ahithophel as a Gilonite is significant in understanding his background and possible motivations. Giloh, being part of the tribal allotment of Judah, suggests that Ahithophel was a fellow Judahite, sharing tribal affiliation with King David. This connection might have initially contributed to his position of trust within David's court.

The narrative of Ahithophel the Gilonite serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of betrayal and the consequences of aligning oneself against God's anointed king. His account is a reminder of the complexities of human loyalty and the tragic outcomes that can result from turning away from righteous paths.

References in Scripture

· 2 Samuel 15:12
· 2 Samuel 16:23
· 2 Samuel 17:23

The Gilonite identity, as exemplified by Ahithophel, provides insight into the political and personal dynamics of King David's reign, illustrating the profound impact of individual choices on the course of biblical history.GILONITE

gi'-lo-nit. See preceding article.

1526. Giloni -- an inhabitant of Giloh
... an inhabitant of Giloh. Transliteration: Giloni Phonetic Spelling: (ghee-lo-nee')
Short Definition: Gilonite. ... of Giloh NASB Word Usage Gilonite (2). Gilonite. ...
/hebrew/1526.htm - 6k

Pardoned Sin Punished
... 12. And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from
his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/pardoned sin punished.htm

Concerning the Insurrection of Absalom against David and ...
... 2. Among them came Ahithophel the Gilonite, a counsellor of David's, and two hundred
men out of Jerusalem itself, who knew not his intentions, but were sent ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the insurrection.htm

Gilonite (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GILONITE. gi'-lo-nit. See preceding article.
Multi-Version Concordance Gilonite (2 Occurrences). ...
/g/gilonite.htm - 7k

Giloh (2 Occurrences)
... It was the native place or residence of the traitor Ahithophel "the Gilonite" (Joshua
15:51; 2 Samuel 15:12), and where he committed suicide (17:23). ...
/g/giloh.htm - 8k

Eliam (2 Occurrences)
... Ammiel. (2.) This name also occurs as that of a Gilonite, the son of Ahithophel,
and one of David's thirty warriors (2 Samuel 23:34). ...
/e/eliam.htm - 7k

Ahithophel (17 Occurrences)
... half of the list of David's mighty men, not among the older veterans with whom the
list begins, appears "Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite" (2 Samuel 23 ...
/a/ahithophel.htm - 16k

Gilo (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Samuel 23:34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the
son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, (Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS ...
/g/gilo.htm - 6k

Gimel (1 Occurrence)

/g/gimel.htm - 7k

Eliph'elet (8 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 2 Samuel 23:34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite,
Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite; (See RSV). ...
/e/eliph'elet.htm - 8k

Eliphelet (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the
son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/e/eliphelet.htm - 9k

Eli'am (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the
son of Ahithophel the Gilonite; (See RSV). Eliam, Eli'am. Eliaonias . ...
/e/eli'am.htm - 6k

Maacathite (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam
the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/m/maacathite.htm - 7k

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