2 Samuel 21:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there was again a battle {H4421} in Gob {H1359} with the Philistines {H6430}, where Elhanan {H445} the son {H1121} of Jaareoregim {H3296}, a Bethlehemite {H1022}, slew {H5221} the brother of Goliath {H1555} the Gittite {H1663}, the staff {H6086} of whose spear {H2595} was like a weaver's {H707} beam {H4500}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There was more war with the P'lishtim at Gov; and Elchanan the son of Ya'arei-Orgim, the Beit-Lachmi, killed 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 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.

American Standard Version

And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim the Beth-lehemite slew Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 21:19 recounts a specific battle in Gob, where Elhanan, one of King David's valiant warriors, achieved a significant victory against a formidable Philistine champion. This verse is notable not only for highlighting the valor of Israel's less-celebrated heroes but also for presenting a textual challenge concerning the identity of the slain Philistine, a challenge often resolved by comparing it with the parallel account in 1 Chronicles, which clarifies the Philistine as the brother of Goliath, thereby affirming the unique victory of David while underscoring the ongoing divine protection over Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of an appendix to the book of 2 Samuel (chapters 21-24), which provides supplementary narratives about David's reign, often focusing on his mighty men and their heroic deeds. Specifically, 2 Samuel 21:15-22 details four distinct encounters between Israel and Philistine giants, immediately following David's psalm of deliverance (2 Samuel 22) and his last words (2 Samuel 23:1-7), and preceding the comprehensive list of David's elite warriors (2 Samuel 23:8ff). This section serves to emphasize God's continued deliverance of Israel through His chosen servants, even as David himself grows older and less active in direct combat. The battles underscore the persistent threat posed by the Philistines and the valor of Israel's champions, setting the stage for the subsequent enumeration of David's elite fighting force. The specific battle in 2 Samuel 21:19 is one of these four encounters, each showcasing a different Philistine giant being defeated.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistines were a powerful, technologically advanced people (notably in iron metallurgy) who had settled in the coastal plain of Canaan, forming a confederacy of five major cities (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gath, Ekron). They posed a continuous military threat to Israel throughout the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. The battles described in 2 Samuel 21 occur during David's reign, a time when Israel was consolidating its control over the land and establishing its borders, often through military conflict. The mention of "Gath" (Gittite) identifies the Philistine champion's origin, a major Philistine city known for its powerful warriors, including the famous Goliath. The "weaver's beam" simile for a spear staff was a common ancient Near Eastern description for exceptionally large and heavy weaponry, indicative of a giant warrior and emphasizing the formidable nature of the Philistine threat.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance:** Despite the Philistines' persistent threat and their formidable champions, God consistently grants Israel victory through His chosen servants. This section underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to David, ensuring the security and establishment of his kingdom, even when David himself is no longer leading the charge. This theme resonates with earlier accounts of God delivering Israel from powerful enemies, as seen in [the crossing of the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea") or [Joshua's conquest of Canaan](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - Joshua's Conquest of Canaan").
* **Valor and Contribution of Lesser-Known Heroes:** While David is the preeminent warrior, this passage highlights the bravery and crucial contributions of other individuals, such as Elhanan, who are part of David's "mighty men." Their acts of courage are essential to Israel's defense and demonstrate that God uses a variety of individuals to accomplish His purposes, not just the most famous or prominent, echoing the principle found in [1 Corinthians 12:22-24](/1_corinthians/12-22 "1 Corinthians 12:22-24 - The Body of Christ").
* **The Ongoing Spiritual Battle:** The Philistines represent a recurring, formidable adversary, symbolizing the ongoing spiritual and physical battles that God's people face throughout history. Their defeat, often by seemingly ordinary individuals empowered by God, serves as a reminder that the Lord fights for His people, a truth also powerfully articulated in [Deuteronomy 20:4](/deuteronomy/20-4 "Deuteronomy 20:4 - God Fights for Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gob (Hebrew, _Gob_):** A place name, possibly meaning "cistern" or "locust." Its exact location is uncertain, though it is generally placed in the Philistine plain or Shephelah. The parallel account in 1 Chronicles 20:4 mentions "Gezer" instead of Gob. This discrepancy might indicate variant textual traditions, different names for the same location, or simply different battle sites. Regardless, it signifies a location within or near Philistine territory where a significant engagement took place, underscoring the ongoing conflict.
* **Jaareoregim (Hebrew, _Ya'are 'Oregim_):** This name is particularly interesting due to its textual variant. The KJV's "Jaareoregim" is likely a conflation or corruption of two words: "Jaare" (יַעְרֵי, _ya'are_) and "Oregim" (אֹרְגִים, _'oregim_). The latter part, "Oregim," means "weavers," which is probably a textual error derived from the phrase "weaver's beam" later in the verse. The parallel in 1 Chronicles 20:5 reads "Jair" (יָעִיר, _ya'ir_). Most modern translations follow the Chronicler's reading of "Jair" as Elhanan's father, making "Jaareoregim" a textual anomaly that highlights the complexities of ancient manuscript transmission.
* **Gittite (Hebrew, _Gitti_):** Refers to someone from Gath, one of the five major Philistine cities. Gath was a stronghold of the Philistines and home to many of their giant warriors, including the famous Goliath whom David slew. This geographical identifier emphasizes the formidable nature of the Philistine champion, connecting him to a lineage of powerful adversaries and underscoring the significant threat he posed to Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines":** This clause sets the scene, indicating a continuation of the ongoing conflict between Israel and their persistent adversaries, the Philistines. The term "again" (עוֹד, _'od_) highlights the repetitive nature of these skirmishes, underscoring the enduring threat and the need for Israel's vigilance and God's continued intervention. The location "Gob" (or Gezer in the parallel account) signifies a specific engagement point within the broader Philistine-Israelite struggle, emphasizing that the conflict was widespread and persistent.
* **"where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew [the brother of] Goliath the Gittite":** This is the central action of the verse, identifying the hero, Elhanan, and his significant feat. Elhanan is identified by his father (Jaareoregim, though likely Jair) and his hometown, Bethlehem, linking him to David's own city and circle. The crucial textual point here is the identity of the slain Philistine. The KJV's bracketed "the brother of" is an interpretive addition, reflecting an ancient attempt to harmonize this verse with 1 Samuel 17. The Hebrew text of 2 Samuel 21:19 literally states Elhanan slew "Goliath the Gittite." The parallel in 1 Chronicles 20:5 clarifies that Elhanan slew "Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite." This harmonization is widely accepted by scholars, understanding that either "Goliath" here refers to a different individual with the same name, or more likely, that the original text of 2 Samuel lost the "brother of" due to scribal error, or that the Chronicler provided the necessary clarification.
* **"the staff of whose spear [was] like a weaver's beam":** This descriptive phrase emphasizes the immense size and formidable nature of the Philistine champion. A "weaver's beam" (מְנוֹר אֹרְגִים, _menor 'oregim_) was a heavy, thick wooden cylinder used in ancient looms, known for its substantial girth and weight. This simile is also used to describe the spear of the famous Goliath in [1 Samuel 17:7](/1_samuel/17-7 "1 Samuel 17:7 - Goliath's Spear"), underscoring that Elhanan's opponent was a giant of similar stature and threat level. The description serves to magnify the valor of Elhanan's achievement, as he overcame a truly formidable adversary, highlighting the divine empowerment at play.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in this verse is **Simile**, specifically in the phrase "the staff of whose spear [was] like a weaver's beam." This comparison vividly conveys the enormous size and weight of the Philistine champion's weapon, immediately painting a picture of a giant and formidable opponent. The use of this particular simile, also applied to Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, creates a thematic **Echo** or **Intertextual Allusion**, linking Elhanan's victory to David's more famous triumph and underscoring the consistent nature of the Philistine threat and the extraordinary valor required to defeat these champions. The narrative also employs **Foreshadowing** in the broader context, as these individual acts of heroism by David's mighty men anticipate the full list of their achievements in 2 Samuel 23, building a comprehensive picture of a divinely protected kingdom sustained by courageous warriors.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, along with the surrounding accounts of giant-slayers, powerfully illustrates God's ongoing commitment to deliver His people, not always through the most famous figures, but often through faithful, courageous individuals like Elhanan. It reinforces the theological truth that victory belongs to the Lord, and He empowers His servants for His purposes, even against seemingly insurmountable odds. The apparent textual discrepancy concerning Goliath's identity serves as a valuable lesson in biblical hermeneutics, encouraging readers to engage in careful intertextual comparison, trusting in the overall coherence and divine inspiration of Scripture. This pursuit of understanding across different biblical accounts deepens our appreciation for the meticulous nature of God's Word and its internal harmony, demonstrating that God's truth is consistent and reliable.

* [1 Samuel 17:48-51](/1_samuel/17-48 "1 Samuel 17:48-51 - David Slays Goliath")
* [1 Chronicles 20:4-8](/1_chronicles/20-4 "1 Chronicles 20:4-8 - Accounts of Philistine Giants")
* [Psalm 44:5-7](/psalms/44-5 "Psalm 44:5-7 - Not by Sword, But by God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 21:19 invites us to reflect on the nature of heroism and the diverse ways God uses His people. While David's triumph over Goliath is rightly celebrated, this verse reminds us that countless other acts of faithfulness and courage, often by lesser-known individuals, are equally vital to God's unfolding plan. It challenges us to value every contribution within the body of Christ, recognizing that every member, regardless of their public profile, plays a crucial role in advancing God's kingdom. Furthermore, the textual nuance regarding Elhanan's victory encourages intellectual humility and diligent study of Scripture. When faced with apparent contradictions or difficulties, we are called to delve deeper, compare Scripture with Scripture, and seek a fuller understanding, rather than dismissing or being troubled by the text. This process of careful inquiry strengthens our faith and deepens our appreciation for the richness and integrity of God's Word. It teaches us that truth is often found in the diligent pursuit of clarity, trusting that God's revelation is ultimately harmonious and purposeful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the story of Elhanan challenge our modern understanding of heroism and fame?**
* **In what ways might we be overlooking or underappreciating the "Elhanans" in our own communities or churches today?**
* **What does the textual clarification between 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles teach us about approaching difficult passages in the Bible?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper trust in the coherence and truthfulness of Scripture, even when initial readings present challenges?**

### FAQ

**Did Elhanan really slay Goliath, or was it David?**

Answer: This is a common question arising from the apparent contradiction between 2 Samuel 21:19 and 1 Samuel 17. The most widely accepted scholarly and theological resolution is that Elhanan slew Lahmi, the brother of Goliath. The parallel account in [1 Chronicles 20:5](/1_chronicles/20-5 "1 Chronicles 20:5 - Elhanan Slays Lahmi") explicitly states, "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." It is believed that the original Hebrew text of 2 Samuel 21:19 either suffered a scribal error where "Lahmi the brother of" was dropped, or that the Chronicler provided the necessary clarification to distinguish Elhanan's feat from David's famous victory over the original Goliath. The KJV's bracketed "the brother of" in 2 Samuel 21:19 reflects this ancient understanding and harmonization. Therefore, David slew the famous Goliath of Gath, while Elhanan slew Goliath's brother, Lahmi, who was also a giant.

**Why is the spear staff described as "like a weaver's beam"?**

Answer: The description "the staff of whose spear [was] like a weaver's beam" is a powerful simile used to emphasize the immense size and formidable nature of the Philistine champion. A weaver's beam (מְנוֹר אֹרְגִים, _menor 'oregim_) was a thick, heavy wooden roller used in ancient looms, known for its substantial girth and weight. By comparing the spear staff to such an object, the biblical author vividly conveys that Elhanan's opponent was a giant, possessing a weapon of extraordinary proportions. This same imagery is used to describe the spear of the more famous Goliath whom David slew in [1 Samuel 17:7](/1_samuel/17-7 "1 Samuel 17:7 - Goliath's Spear"), highlighting that these Philistine giants were consistently equipped with massive weaponry, making their defeat by Israelite warriors all the more remarkable and a testament to God's empowering presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 21:19 describes a specific military victory in the Old Testament, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The ongoing battle against the Philistines, representing a persistent enemy of God's people, foreshadows the spiritual warfare that believers face against the forces of darkness, a struggle ultimately overcome by Christ. Just as Elhanan, a "Bethlehemite," delivered Israel from a formidable giant, so too did Jesus, born in Bethlehem, come to conquer the ultimate giant of sin and death. He is the true and greater "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The reliance on God's strength for victory, evident in Elhanan's feat, points to Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial triumph on the cross, where He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, making a public spectacle of them (as described in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Furthermore, the valor of David's mighty men, including Elhanan, serves as a type for the Church, Christ's body, which is called to participate in His ongoing mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome spiritual adversaries, as encouraged in [Ephesians 6:10-12](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-10 - The Armor of God"). Ultimately, every victory over an enemy in the Old Testament points to the decisive and final victory achieved by Jesus Christ, the ultimate Deliverer and Champion, who secures eternal peace for His people.

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

1 Chronicles 20:5

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.

1 Chronicles 11:26

Also the valiant men of the armies [were], Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

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 17:11

When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.