1 Chronicles 20:5

KJV

And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff [was] like a weaver's beam.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there was war {H4421} again with the Philistines {H6430}; and Elhanan {H445} the son {H1121} of Jair {H3265} slew {H5221} Lahmi {H3902} the brother {H251} of Goliath {H1555} the Gittite {H1663}, whose spear {H2595} staff {H6086} was like a weaver's {H707} beam {H4500}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There was more war with the P'lishtim; and Elchanan the son of Ya'ir killed Lachmi the brother of Golyat the Gitti, who had a spear with a shaft like a weaver's beam.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And there was again war with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 20:5 recounts a specific battle during King David's reign where Elhanan, one of David's mighty men, defeats Lahmi, identified as the brother of Goliath the Gittite. The verse vividly describes Lahmi's formidable spear, likening its staff to a weaver's beam, underscoring the immense stature of the Philistine foe. This account serves as a crucial clarification of related biblical texts and highlights the ongoing divine assistance granted to Israel in overcoming persistent and seemingly insurmountable enemies.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader section of 1 Chronicles (chapters 11-29) that focuses on the reign of King David, emphasizing his military successes, the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital, and preparations for the temple. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 20 details several significant victories against Israel's enemies, particularly the Philistines, after the successful siege of Rabbah (20:1-3). Verses 4-8 form a distinct pericope recounting the slaying of four Philistine giants by David's mighty men. The Chronicler's inclusion of these accounts serves to underscore God's faithfulness in granting victory to His people and to legitimize David's kingship by showcasing the strength and divine favor upon his reign. This particular verse is vital for its complementary relationship with [2 Samuel 21:19](/2_samuel/21-19 "2 Samuel 21:19 - Elhanan and Goliath's Brother"), providing a crucial clarification.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a formidable, long-standing adversary of Israel, originating from the Aegean Sea region and settling in the southwestern coastal plain of Canaan (the "Philistine Pentapolis" of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath). They possessed superior iron technology and military organization, posing a constant threat to Israelite sovereignty throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. The mention of "Goliath the Gittite" and his brother Lahmi points to Gath, one of the primary Philistine cities, which was known as a stronghold of the Rephaim, a race of giants mentioned in ancient Near Eastern texts and biblical accounts (e.g., [Deuteronomy 2:10-11](/deuteronomy/2-10 "Deuteronomy 2:10-11 - The Emim and Anakim, Giants of Old")). The description of Lahmi's spear as a "weaver's beam" is a cultural reference to a large, heavy wooden roller used in ancient looms, emphasizing the extraordinary size and strength of these giant warriors and the formidable challenge they presented.
* **Key Themes:** Several significant themes emerge from 1 Chronicles 20:5. Firstly, it reiterates the theme of **Continued Conflict and Divine Victory**. Despite David's established kingdom, the Philistine threat persisted, highlighting the ongoing nature of spiritual and physical battles. Yet, the narrative consistently demonstrates God's active involvement in granting victory to His people, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Prowess of Israel's Warriors**, particularly David's "mighty men." Elhanan, though less renowned than David, is presented as a capable instrument of God's power, showcasing that God uses various individuals to accomplish His purposes. Thirdly, the **Defeat of Giant Foes** symbolizes the overcoming of overwhelming obstacles through divine strength. The repeated accounts of giant-slaying in this chapter reinforce God's ability to subdue any enemy, echoing the iconic victory of [David over Goliath](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath"). Finally, this verse is crucial for the theme of **Biblical Accuracy and Complementary Accounts**. It demonstrates how different biblical texts can illuminate and clarify one another, providing a more complete and precise understanding of historical events, particularly in its clarification of the account found in [2 Samuel 21:19](/2_samuel/21-19 "2 Samuel 21:19 - Elhanan and Goliath's Brother").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lahmi (לַחְמִי, _laḥmî_):** This name is critically important for harmonizing the biblical accounts. While [2 Samuel 21:19](/2_samuel/21-19 "2 Samuel 21:19 - Elhanan and Goliath's Brother") in the Masoretic Text reads that Elhanan slew "Goliath the Gittite," 1 Chronicles 20:5 explicitly states he slew "Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite." Scholarly consensus, supported by ancient versions (like the Septuagint of 2 Samuel), indicates that "Lahmi" was likely omitted or corrupted in the 2 Samuel text, or that "Lahmi" was a descriptive epithet for Goliath's brother. The Chronicler, known for his meticulous record-keeping and theological precision, provides the fuller and more accurate detail, clarifying that it was Goliath's brother who was killed by Elhanan, preserving David's unique victory over Goliath.
* **Gittite (גִּתִּי, _gittî_):** This adjective identifies Lahmi as being from Gath, one of the five major Philistine city-states. Gath was a known stronghold for people of unusual stature, including Goliath himself. This geographical descriptor reinforces the formidable nature of the Philistine giants and links Lahmi directly to the lineage and origin of his more famous brother, Goliath, further emphasizing the challenge Elhanan faced.
* **Weaver's beam (מְנוֹר אֹרְגִים, _mᵉnôr ’ōrᵉgîm_):** This vivid simile describes the massive size and weight of Lahmi's spear shaft. An ancient weaver's beam was a substantial, heavy wooden cylinder, often several feet long and thick, used in a loom to roll up the finished cloth. Comparing a spear staff to such an object immediately conveys the immense scale of the weapon and, by extension, the extraordinary stature and strength of its wielder. This detail is also used to describe Goliath's spear in [1 Samuel 17:7](/1_samuel/17-7 "1 Samuel 17:7 - Goliath's Spear"), creating a direct parallel between the two giant brothers and their formidable weaponry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was war again with the Philistines":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the persistent and recurring nature of the conflict between Israel and its primary adversary, the Philistines. It signals that despite previous victories, the struggle for dominance and security was ongoing, underscoring the constant need for vigilance and divine intervention.
* **"and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite":** This is the core action of the verse. It identifies the victorious Israelite warrior, Elhanan, and precisely names his formidable opponent, Lahmi. The crucial detail "the brother of Goliath the Gittite" serves to distinguish this giant from the more famous Goliath slain by David, providing clarity and preventing confusion with the account in 2 Samuel. It highlights the continued presence of giant warriors among the Philistines and the ongoing threat they posed.
* **"whose spear staff [was] like a weaver's beam":** This descriptive clause provides a powerful visual image of Lahmi's weapon. The simile "like a weaver's beam" emphasizes the extraordinary size and weight of the spear, indicating that Lahmi, like his brother Goliath, was a giant of immense physical prowess. This detail not only underscores the formidable nature of the foe Elhanan defeated but also implicitly magnifies the achievement of Elhanan, who overcame such a powerful adversary.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Simile**, as seen in "whose spear staff [was] like a weaver's beam." This comparison vividly conveys the immense size and formidable nature of Lahmi's weapon and, by extension, his own physical stature. It allows the reader to grasp the extraordinary challenge Elhanan faced. There is also a subtle use of **Repetition** or **Parallelism** in the description of Lahmi's spear, echoing the description of Goliath's spear in [1 Samuel 17:7](/1_samuel/17-7 "1 Samuel 17:7 - Goliath's Spear"). This literary echo links the two brothers and reinforces the idea of a lineage of formidable giants. Furthermore, the Chronicler's specific inclusion of "Lahmi the brother of Goliath" serves as a form of **Clarification** or **Harmonization**, addressing a potential ambiguity or textual variant found in the parallel account in 2 Samuel. This demonstrates the careful and complementary nature of the biblical record.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Elhanan's victory over Lahmi, Goliath's brother, powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His people and His ability to grant victory against overwhelming odds. It reminds us that God's power is not limited to the most famous heroes; He uses and empowers various individuals, even those less prominent, to accomplish His purposes. This victory, alongside others in 1 Chronicles 20, contributes to the larger theological narrative of God establishing and securing His kingdom through David's reign, demonstrating His faithfulness to the covenant promises. It teaches that while human enemies may be formidable, God's strength working through His chosen instruments is always sufficient to overcome them, ensuring the safety and prosperity of His people.

* [1 Samuel 17:45-47](/1_samuel/17-45 "1 Samuel 17:45-47 - David's Trust in God Against Goliath")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might Nor by Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Elhanan conquering Lahmi offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Just as Israel faced persistent "giants" in the Philistines, we too encounter formidable challenges in our lives—spiritual battles, overwhelming circumstances, societal pressures, or personal struggles that seem insurmountable. This verse reminds us that God equips and empowers His people to confront these "giants," not through our own strength, but through His divine enabling. Elhanan, though not as famous as David, was a vital instrument in God's plan, teaching us that every believer, regardless of their perceived prominence, has a crucial role to play in God's kingdom and is empowered by His Spirit. Furthermore, the textual clarification provided by 1 Chronicles 20:5 encourages a deeper trust in the meticulous nature of Scripture and its internal consistency, assuring us that God's Word is reliable and illuminates itself. We are called to step out in faith, trusting that the same God who empowered Elhanan to slay a giant will equip us for the battles we face today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" are you facing in your life today—be they spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial—and how might God be calling you to confront them in His strength?**
* **How does the clarity provided by 1 Chronicles 20:5, in relation to 2 Samuel 21:19, encourage your trust in the complementary and self-interpreting nature of Scripture?**
* **In what ways can you, like Elhanan, be an instrument of God's victory in your sphere of influence, even if your contributions seem less prominent than others?**

### FAQ

**How does 1 Chronicles 20:5 relate to 2 Samuel 21:19, and why is the Chronicler's account considered more accurate?**

Answer: The relationship between 1 Chronicles 20:5 and [2 Samuel 21:19](/2_samuel/21-19 "2 Samuel 21:19 - Elhanan and Goliath's Brother") is a classic example of biblical harmonization. In the King James Version, [2 Samuel 21:19](/2_samuel/21-19 "2 Samuel 21:19 - Elhanan and Goliath's Brother") reads, "And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam." However, the Masoretic Text (the traditional Hebrew text) of 2 Samuel 21:19 actually reads that Elhanan "slew Goliath the Gittite." The Chronicler's account in 1 Chronicles 20:5 explicitly clarifies this by stating Elhanan slew "Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite."

Scholars widely agree that the Chronicler's account in 1 Chronicles is the more precise and accurate version. This is supported by several factors:
1. **Textual Variants:** The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) for 2 Samuel 21:19 also includes "the brother of" before Goliath, suggesting that this phrase was present in older Hebrew manuscripts of Samuel but was lost or corrupted in the Masoretic Text of Samuel.
2. **Chronicler's Purpose:** The Chronicler often provides additional details or clarifies ambiguities found in Samuel-Kings, likely drawing on other historical records or traditions available to him. His aim was to present a clear and theologically coherent history for the post-exilic community.
3. **Preserving David's Unique Victory:** If Elhanan had slain Goliath, it would contradict the iconic narrative of David's unique victory over Goliath in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath"). The Chronicler's account preserves the distinctness of David's triumph while still honoring Elhanan's significant achievement. Therefore, 1 Chronicles 20:5 is crucial for understanding that Elhanan defeated Goliath's brother, Lahmi, not Goliath himself.

**Who was Elhanan, and why is his victory significant?**

Answer: Elhanan was one of King David's "mighty men," a group of elite warriors known for their extraordinary courage and feats of strength (mentioned in [2 Samuel 23:24](/2_samuel/23-24 "2 Samuel 23:24 - Elhanan, one of David's Mighty Men") and [1 Chronicles 11:26](/1_chronicles/11-26 "1 Chronicles 11:26 - Elhanan, one of David's Mighty Men")). While not as famous as David or some of the "Thirty" or "Three," his inclusion in this list and the specific mention of his victory over Lahmi underscore his importance.

His victory is significant for several reasons:
1. **Divine Empowerment:** It demonstrates that God's power is not limited to one individual (David) but works through many of His faithful servants. Elhanan's triumph is a testament to God empowering His people to overcome seemingly impossible odds.
2. **Continued Threat of Giants:** The defeat of Lahmi, Goliath's brother, shows that the Philistine threat, particularly from their giant warriors, persisted even after David's famous victory. This highlights the ongoing nature of spiritual and physical warfare that Israel faced.
3. **Security of the Kingdom:** Each victory over these formidable Philistine foes contributed to the security and stability of David's kingdom, allowing for the consolidation of Israelite power and the eventual establishment of the temple worship, which was a central concern for the Chronicler. Elhanan's act was a crucial part of securing God's people in the land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The defeat of Lahmi, Goliath's formidable brother, by Elhanan serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate victory over the spiritual "giants" that plague humanity. Just as Lahmi's immense spear, "like a weaver's beam," symbolized an overwhelming physical threat, so too do sin, death, and Satan represent spiritual adversaries of insurmountable power for humanity. The Old Testament accounts of giant-slaying, culminating in David's triumph over Goliath and Elhanan's over Lahmi, point forward to the one true "Giant-Slayer," Jesus Christ. He did not merely defeat a physical foe but triumphed over the cosmic powers of darkness, spoiling principalities and powers on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). By His death and resurrection, Christ conquered death and the one who holds the power of death, the devil, setting free those who were held in slavery by their fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus' Victory Over Death and the Devil")). Elhanan's victory was a partial, temporal deliverance for Israel; Christ's victory is a complete, eternal deliverance for all who believe, fulfilling the promise of ultimate triumph over every enemy, culminating in death being swallowed up in victory ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 21:19

And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew [the brother of] Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear [was] like a weaver's beam.

1 Samuel 22:10

And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.

1 Samuel 17:4

And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height [was] six cubits and a span.

1 Samuel 17:7

And the staff of his spear [was] like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head [weighed] six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.

1 Samuel 21:9

And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it [is here] wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if thou wilt take that, take [it]: for [there is] no other save that here. And David said, [There is] none like that; give it me.