2 Samuel 21:16

Translation
King James Version
And Ishbibenob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And Ishbibenob H3430, which was of the sons H3211 of the giant H7497, the weight H4948 of whose spear H7013 weighed three H7969 hundred H3967 shekels of brass H5178 in weight H4948, he being girded H2296 with a new H2319 sword, thought H559 to have slain H5221 David H1732.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Yishbi-B'nov, one of the sons of the giant, said that he would kill David; his spear weighed seven pounds, and he was wearing new armor.
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Berean Standard Bible
Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David.
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American Standard Version
and Ishbi-benob, who was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.
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World English Bible Messianic
and Ishbibenob, who was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being armed with a new sword, thought to have slain David.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Ishi-benob which was of the sonnes of Haraphah (the head of whose speare wayed three hundreth shekels of brasse) euen he being girded with a newe sword, thought to haue slaine Dauid.
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Young's Literal Translation
and Ishbi-Benob, who is among the children of the giant--the weight of his spear is three hundred shekels weight of brass, and he is girded with a new one--speaketh of smiting David,
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See also
2 Samuel 21:182 Samuel 21:202 Samuel 5:18Deuteronomy 2:21Deuteronomy 3:11Genesis 14:5Deuteronomy 2:10
See on the biblical-era map
City Plan: Jerusalem in the Time of David
City Plan: Jerusalem in the Time of David View full PDF
Wars with the Philistines
Wars with the Philistines View full PDF
The Three-Year Famine
The Three-Year Famine View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 8,597 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Second Samuel 21:16 introduces Ishbibenob, a formidable Philistine giant who, in David's later years, sought to end the king's life. This verse is part of an appendix in 2 Samuel that recounts a series of encounters with Philistine giants, serving to underscore God's unwavering protection over His anointed king, even in moments of extreme vulnerability, and to highlight the valor and loyalty of David's mighty men who ensured his survival and the stability of the kingdom.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within an appendix to 2 Samuel, specifically 2 Samuel 21:15-22, which details a series of encounters between David's forces and Philistine giants. This section immediately follows David's profound psalm of deliverance and thanksgiving in 2 Samuel 22 and precedes his "last words" in 2 Samuel 23:1-7 and the comprehensive list of his mighty men in 2 Samuel 23:8-39. The placement of these accounts of David's personal vulnerability and the valor of his loyal companions serves multiple narrative and theological purposes. It powerfully reinforces the overarching theme of God's enduring faithfulness to David throughout his entire reign, even as he aged and his physical prowess waned. Furthermore, it vividly demonstrates the persistent and formidable threat posed by Israel's enemies, and crucially, it highlights the indispensable role of David's loyal and courageous companions in securing his kingdom and ensuring his very survival. This narrative contrasts sharply with David's earlier, more active and dominant role in battle (e.g., 1 Samuel 17), emphasizing his increasing reliance on others and, ultimately, on divine providence for his protection.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Philistines were a persistent and formidable adversary of Israel throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. Their military might was often spearheaded by exceptionally large warriors, known as the Rephaim or their descendants, who posed a significant and terrifying threat to Israelite sovereignty and morale. The phrase "sons of the giant" (Hebrew: yalde ha-raphah) specifically refers to these descendants of the Rephaim, a race of formidable, often gigantic, people mentioned in various parts of the Old Testament, such as in Deuteronomy 2:11 and Numbers 13:33. Ishbibenob is presented as a relative of Goliath of Gath, the colossal Philistine warrior whom David famously defeated in his youth, as recounted in 1 Samuel 17:4. This specific encounter with Ishbibenob likely occurred later in David's reign, when he was an older man, perhaps less agile and strong than in his prime. This detail underscores David's human vulnerability and the intense danger he faced, making the swift and decisive intervention of his mighty men, particularly Abishai, all the more crucial and heroic.
  • Key Themes: The narrative of Ishbibenob's attack on David powerfully illustrates several profound theological and narrative themes. First and foremost, it highlights God's Enduring Protection over His anointed king. Despite David's advanced age and the immense, life-threatening danger posed by the giant, divine providence ensures his survival, albeit through the human agency of his loyal men. This demonstrates that God's covenant faithfulness extends throughout all seasons of life, even when human strength wanes, fulfilling promises made to David in 2 Samuel 7. Secondly, the passage emphasizes The Indispensable Importance of Loyal Companions. David's life is directly saved by Abishai, one of his valiant mighty men, who intervenes decisively, as detailed in 2 Samuel 21:17. This underscores the crucial role of faithful friends, allies, and community in protecting and sustaining leaders and individuals in times of crisis, reminding us that we are not meant to face all challenges alone, a principle echoed in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Finally, the encounter with Ishbibenob represents The Persistent Threat of Evil and Opposition. Even after years of kingship, numerous victories, and the establishment of the kingdom, David and Israel continued to face formidable enemies. The "sons of the giant" symbolize recurring or lingering threats—whether physical, spiritual, or circumstantial—that require ongoing vigilance and a steadfast reliance on God's strength and the support of His people.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Ishbibenob (Hebrew, _Yishbôw bᵉ-_Nôb'__, H3430): This proper name identifies the specific Philistine giant who posed a direct threat to King David. The name, meaning "his dwelling (is) in Nob," might allude to a connection with the priestly city of Nob, perhaps indicating a Philistine presence or conflict in that region, or simply serving as a descriptive identifier for this formidable individual. Its inclusion immediately establishes a specific, named antagonist, intensifying the personal nature of the threat to David.
  • giant (Hebrew, râphâʼ', H7497): This term refers to a member of the Rephaim, an ancient race of formidable, often gigantic, people known for their immense stature and strength. By identifying Ishbibenob as "of the sons of the giant," the text immediately establishes him as a descendant of this powerful lineage, placing him in the same terrifying category as Goliath (1 Samuel 17:4). This lineage immediately establishes Ishbibenob as a formidable and terrifying opponent, similar in nature to Goliath, reinforcing the gravity of the threat to David.
  • slain (Hebrew, nâkâh', H5221): This primitive root means "to strike" in various contexts, ranging from a light blow to a severe, even fatal, impact. In this verse, the context clearly indicates a deadly intention: "thought to have slain David." This word emphasizes the lethal aim of Ishbibenob, highlighting that his objective was nothing less than the assassination of the king. It underscores the extreme danger David faced, making the subsequent deliverance all the more significant.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And Ishbibenob, which [was] of the sons of the giant": This opening clause introduces the antagonist by name, Ishbibenob, and immediately establishes his formidable nature by identifying him as a descendant of the Rephaim, the legendary race of giants. This lineage instantly signals to the reader that David is facing an opponent of extraordinary size and strength, akin to Goliath.
  • "the weight of whose spear [weighed] three hundred [shekels] of brass in weight": This descriptive phrase provides a concrete, measurable detail that vividly illustrates the giant's immense strength and the sheer destructive potential of his weapon. A spearhead weighing approximately 7.5 to 10 pounds (3.4 to 4.5 kg) would require immense physical power to wield effectively in combat, underscoring the formidable nature of Ishbibenob and the near-insurmountable odds David faced in this personal confrontation.
  • "he being girded with a new [sword]": This detail suggests Ishbibenob was fully prepared for battle, perhaps even with a weapon recently acquired or specially prepared for this specific encounter. The mention of a "new sword" implies readiness, freshness, and perhaps an unexpected level of threat, indicating a deliberate and well-equipped intent to engage and defeat David. It adds to the sense of a targeted, well-planned attack.
  • "thought to have slain David.": This final clause reveals the giant's clear, deadly, and personal intent. It highlights that this was not merely a general skirmish but a direct, targeted assassination attempt against King David. The phrase "thought to have slain" implies a near-success, underscoring David's extreme vulnerability and the dramatic urgency of his situation, setting the stage for the crucial intervention that follows.

Literary Devices

The narrative in 2 Samuel 21:16 employs several potent literary devices to heighten the drama and theological impact. Foreshadowing is present as the description of David's advanced age and the giant's immense power subtly hints at the king's impending vulnerability and desperate need for rescue, setting the stage for Abishai's heroic intervention in the subsequent verse. There is an element of Dramatic Irony, as the reader, aware of David's ultimate survival and God's covenant promises to him, nevertheless experiences the vivid portrayal of the life-threatening danger he faces, making the moment of deliverance more impactful. The detailed description of the spear's extraordinary weight (300 shekels of brass) functions as Hyperbole or Exaggeration to emphasize the superhuman strength of Ishbibenob and the overwhelming gravity of the threat, thereby making David's deliverance, and Abishai's intervention, appear all the more miraculous and divinely orchestrated. Furthermore, the passage employs Contrast by juxtaposing David's current vulnerability in old age with his legendary youthful victory over Goliath, highlighting the cyclical nature of challenges and the enduring need for divine aid across different life stages. Finally, the "giant" himself serves as powerful Symbolism of overwhelming, persistent opposition, representing not just a physical foe but any formidable obstacle, spiritual enemy, or entrenched sin that seeks to undermine God's purposes or His people.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The encounter with Ishbibenob profoundly illustrates the ongoing reality of spiritual warfare and the ever-present need for divine protection, even for those most favored by God. David, the great warrior-king and "man after God's own heart," finds himself in a moment of extreme vulnerability, reminding us that no one, regardless of their spiritual stature or past victories, is beyond the reach of attack or the need for help. This narrative underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that His protection is not contingent on human strength or agility, but on His sovereign will and the instruments He chooses to employ. It also powerfully affirms the importance of community and the body of Christ, as deliverance often comes through the faithful intervention of others whom God uses as His instruments. Just as David's mighty men stood with him, believers are called to bear one another's burdens and stand in solidarity against the "giants" of this world, whether they be spiritual attacks, overwhelming temptations, or life's crushing challenges.

  • 1 Samuel 17:45-47: David's youthful victory over Goliath, where he explicitly declares that "the battle is the Lord's," provides a stark contrast to his vulnerability here, yet highlights God's consistent power in delivering His people from giants, whether through a young shepherd's sling or through loyal companions in old age.
  • Psalm 3:3: David's own words, "But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head," resonate deeply with this narrative, affirming God's role as his ultimate protector and deliverer in times of distress, even when human strength fails.
  • Proverbs 11:14: The intervention of Abishai exemplifies the wisdom and safety found in having a multitude of loyal companions and supporters, emphasizing that true strength and victory often come through collective effort and mutual support within a community.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The narrative of David's near-death encounter with Ishbibenob serves as a powerful and humbling reminder that even the most seasoned, spiritually mature, and divinely favored individuals are not immune to moments of profound vulnerability and intense opposition. David, the "man after God's own heart" and the mighty warrior, faced a moment where his own strength failed, necessitating the swift intervention of another. This teaches us that reliance on God's providence and the support of our spiritual community is not a sign of weakness, but a recognition of our human limitations and God's design for mutual dependence within the body of Christ. The "giants" in our lives may not be physical beings with heavy spears, but they can manifest as overwhelming challenges, persistent temptations, spiritual attacks, deeply entrenched personal weaknesses, or systemic injustices that seek to "slay" our faith, purpose, or well-being. This story encourages us to remain vigilant, to humbly acknowledge our need for help, and to cultivate relationships with faithful companions who can stand with us in our moments of crisis. It calls us to trust in God's deliverance, knowing that He often works through the hands and hearts of those He places around us, demonstrating His faithfulness even when we are at our weakest.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "giants" (overwhelming challenges, persistent sins, spiritual attacks) are you facing in your life right now that threaten to "slay" your faith or purpose?
  • In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely solely on your own strength, rather than acknowledging your vulnerability and need for God's help or the support of others?
  • Who are the "Abishais" in your life—those loyal companions God has placed around you to support and protect you? How can you better appreciate and lean into their support?
  • How can you, in turn, be an "Abishai" to others, stepping in to help them in their moments of weakness or danger, reflecting the love and support of Christ's body?

FAQ

Who was Ishbibenob and what was his significance?

Answer: Ishbibenob was a Philistine giant, identified as one of the "sons of the giant" (descendants of the Rephaim), and a relative of Goliath, whom David famously defeated. His significance lies in representing the persistent and formidable threat that the Philistines, and more broadly, the forces of evil, posed to Israel and its king. His attempt to kill David highlights the ongoing spiritual and physical battles that even God's anointed must face, underscoring David's human vulnerability in his later years and the constant need for divine protection and the support of loyal companions, as seen in 2 Samuel 21:17.

Why was David in such danger, given his past victories and reputation as a warrior?

Answer: David's vulnerability in this encounter is attributed to his advanced age, as indicated by the context of his later reign. While David was a formidable warrior in his prime, the passage subtly suggests that he was no longer as agile or strong as he once was, making him susceptible to such a direct and powerful attack. This incident serves to emphasize that even the most experienced and divinely favored individuals can face moments of weakness or be caught off guard, highlighting the need for God's continued protection and the support of loyal companions. It also underscores that God's deliverance is not always through individual prowess but often through the community He provides, demonstrating His faithfulness through various means (Psalm 18).

What is the significance of the spear weighing 300 shekels of brass?

Answer: The detail that Ishbibenob's spear weighed "three hundred shekels of brass" (approximately 7.5 to 10 pounds or 3.4 to 4.5 kg) is highly significant. It serves to emphasize the immense physical strength of the giant and the formidable nature of the weapon he wielded. This specific detail is not merely incidental; it vividly portrays the gravity of the threat to David's life and the extraordinary power of his adversary. It underscores that this was no ordinary opponent or weapon, making David's deliverance, and Abishai's intervention, all the more remarkable and a testament to God's protective hand over His anointed king (Psalm 121:7-8).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While David, as king, serves as a type of Christ, his vulnerability in 2 Samuel 21:16 actually points beyond himself to the need for a greater, more perfect King who would not falter. David's near-defeat underscores the limitations of even the greatest human leaders and their ultimate reliance on God for salvation. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and ultimate King who faced the ultimate "giant"—not a physical foe, but the spiritual powers of sin, death, and Satan. Unlike David, who needed to be rescued by another, Christ willingly laid down His life, confronting these enemies head-on and triumphing over them through His crucifixion and resurrection. He is the divine "Abishai" who did not merely save His people from a physical threat, but from eternal death and spiritual bondage, as Hebrews 2:14-15 powerfully declares: "that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery." His victory was complete and decisive, accomplished through His own perfect sacrifice, requiring no intervention from others. Through Christ, believers are empowered to overcome the "giants" in their own lives, knowing that the Son of God appeared to "destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8), and that He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15). He is the King who always prevails, securing eternal salvation for His people.

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Commentary on 2 Samuel 21 verses 15–22

We have here the story of some conflicts with the Philistines, which happened, as it should seem, in the latter end of David's reign. Though he had so subdued them that they could not bring any great numbers into the field, yet as long as they had any giants among them to be their champions, they would never be quiet, but took all occasions to disturb the peace of Israel, to challenge them, or make incursions upon them.

I. David himself was engaged with one of the giants. The Philistines began the war yet again, Sa2 21:15. The enemies of God's Israel are restless in their attempts against them. David, though old, desired not a writ of ease from the public service, but he went down in person to fight against the Philistines (Senescit, non segnescit - He grows old, but not indolent), a sign that he fought not for his own glory (at this age he was loaded with glory, and needed no more), but for the good of his kingdom. But in this engagement we find him, 1. In distress and danger. He thought he could bear the fatigues of war as well as he had done formerly; his will was good, and he hoped he could do as at other times. But he found himself deceived; age had cut his hair, and, after a little toil, he waxed faint. His body could not keep pace with his mind. The champion of the Philistines was soon aware of his advantage, perceived that David's strength failed him, and, being himself strong and well-armed, he thought to slay David; but God was not in his thoughts, and therefore in that very day they all perished. The enemies of God's people are often very strong, very subtle, and very sure of success, like Isbi-benob, but there is no strength, nor counsel, nor confidence against the Lord. 2. Wonderfully rescued by Abishai, who came seasonably in to his relief, Sa2 21:17. Herein we must own Abishai's courage and fidelity to his prince (to save whose life he bravely ventured his own), but much more the good providence of God, which brought him in to David's succour in the moment of his extremity. Such a cause and such a champion, though distressed, shall not be deserted. When Abishai succoured him, gave him a cordial, it may be, to relieve his fainting spirits, or appeared as his second, he (namely, David, so I understand it) smote the Philistine and killed him; for it is said (Sa2 21:22) that David had himself a hand in slaying the giants. David fainted, but he did not flee; though his strength failed him, he bravely kept his ground, and then God sent him this help in the time of need, which, though brought him by his junior and inferior, he thankfully accepted, and, with a little recruiting, gained his point, and came off a conqueror. Christ, in his agonies, was strengthened by an angel. In spiritual conflicts, even strong saints sometimes wax faint; then Satan attacks them furiously; but those that stand their ground and resist him shall be relieved, and made more than conquerors. 3. David's servants hereupon resolved that he should never expose himself thus any more. They had easily persuaded him not to fight against Absalom (Sa2 18:3), but against the Philistines he would go, till, having had this narrow escape, it was resolved in council, and confirmed with an oath, that the light of Israel (its guide and glory, so David was) should never be put again into such hazard of being blown out. The lives of those who are as valuable to their country as David was ought to be preserved with a double care, both by themselves and others.

II. The rest of the giants fell by the hand of David's servants. 1. Saph was slain by Sibbechai, one of David's worthies, Sa2 21:18; Ch1 11:29. 2. Another, who was brother to Goliath, was slain by Elhanan, who is mentioned Sa2 23:24. 3. Another, who was of very unusual bulk, who had more fingers and toes than other people (Sa2 21:20), and such an unparalleled insolence that, though he had seen the fall of other giants, yet he defied Israel, was slain by Jonathan the son of Shimea. Shimea had one son named Jonadab (Sa2 13:3), whom I should have taken for the same with this Jonathan, but that the former was noted for subtlety, the latter for bravery. These giants were probably the remains of the sons of Anak, who, though long feared, fell at last. Now observe, (1.) It is folly for the strong man to glory in his strength. David's servants were no bigger nor stronger than other men; yet thus, by divine assistance, they mastered one giant after another. God chooses by the weak things to confound the mighty. (2.) It is common for those to go down slain to the pit who have been the terror of the mighty in the land of the living, Eze 32:27. (3.) The most powerful enemies are often reserved for the last conflict. David began his glory with the conquest of one giant, and here concludes it with the conquest of four. Death is a Christian's last enemy, and a son of Anak; but, through him that triumphed for us, we hope to be more than conquerors at last, even over that enemy.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 15–22. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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