TRV
Translation
King James Version
And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.
Complete Jewish Bible
When he mocked Isra'el, Y'honatan the son of Shim'ah David's brother killed him.
Berean Standard Bible
and when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of David’s brother Shimei killed him.
American Standard Version
And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David’s brother, slew him.
World English Bible Messianic
When he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David’s brother, killed him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when hee reuiled Israel, Ionathan the sonne of Shima the brother of Dauid slewe him.
Young's Literal Translation
and he reproacheth Israel, and smite him doth Jonathan son of Shimeah, brother of David;
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In the KJVVerse 8,602 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Samuel 21 verses 15–22
15 ¶ Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.
16 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.
17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.
18 And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant.
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.
20 And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant.
21 And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him.
22 These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.
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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SUMMARY
2 Samuel 21:21 recounts a pivotal act of valor during the latter part of King David's reign, where Jonathan, a nephew of David, courageously confronted and decisively defeated a formidable Philistine giant. This specific encounter, part of a series detailing Israel's ongoing conflict with the Philistines, underscores God's steadfast providence and protection over His people, demonstrating that His power and ability to grant victory extend not only through the king himself but also through the faithfulness and bravery of his family members and mighty men who rise to overcome seemingly insurmountable adversaries.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. Parallelism is prominent, as Jonathan's feat directly echoes David's earlier, more famous victory over Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Both narratives involve a giant defying Israel and a seemingly less prominent individual stepping forward to defeat him, thereby vindicating God's people. This parallelism serves to reinforce the theme of divine empowerment and the ongoing nature of God's work through various champions. The description of the giant in the preceding verse (2 Samuel 21:20) with "six fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot, four and twenty in number" utilizes Hyperbole and Grotesque Imagery to emphasize the monstrous and unnatural nature of the foe, thereby magnifying Jonathan's courage and the divine power at work. The giant functions as a Symbol of overwhelming, seemingly insurmountable opposition, representing not just a physical threat but also spiritual and existential challenges that defy human strength alone.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Jonathan's victory over the Philistine giant profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His people, even when their primary leader, David, is no longer in his prime. It demonstrates that divine protection is not contingent upon a single individual's strength but is extended corporately through the faithfulness of many. This narrative reminds us that God raises up champions from unexpected places, empowering ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary feats for His glory and the good of His people. It underscores that the battle against spiritual and physical "giants" is ongoing, but victory is assured through God's providence and the courage He instills in His servants. The valor displayed by Jonathan is a testament to the fact that God's power is made perfect in weakness, enabling His people to overcome what seems impossible.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jonathan's courageous act in 2 Samuel 21:21 offers enduring lessons for believers today. Just as ancient Israel faced literal giants who defied their God, we too encounter metaphorical "giants" in our lives—overwhelming challenges, spiritual attacks, systemic injustices, or seemingly impossible obstacles that mock our faith and threaten our peace. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God continues to equip and empower His people, often through unexpected individuals, to confront and overcome these formidable adversaries. We are called to cultivate a spirit of courage, trusting that the same God who enabled Jonathan to slay a giant will enable us to face our own "giants" with faith and resolve. Furthermore, Jonathan's role as part of David's family and the broader community of Israel's warriors highlights the vital importance of corporate strength and mutual support in spiritual warfare. We are not meant to face our battles alone; the body of Christ is designed for interdependency, where each member contributes to the collective victory. Every act of faithful service, whether grand or seemingly small, contributes to God's overarching plan and triumph.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Jonathan, and why is his lineage emphasized here?
Answer: Jonathan in 2 Samuel 21:21 is identified as "the son of Shimea the brother of David." Shimea was one of David's older brothers, also known as Shammah (1 Samuel 16:9). His lineage is emphasized to establish his connection to the royal house and to David, highlighting that valor and divine favor were not exclusive to David but extended to his family and, by extension, to the wider community of Israel. This detail underscores the corporate nature of Israel's strength and God's continued work through various individuals within the covenant community, even as David himself aged and was less active in direct combat. It shows that God raises up champions from within His people, demonstrating His faithfulness to the entire nation.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jonathan slaying the giant in 2 Samuel 21:21 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Jonathan, a kinsman of David, confronted a physical giant who defied Israel, so Jesus, the Son of David and the ultimate champion, confronted and decisively defeated the spiritual giants of sin, death, and the devil that had defied humanity and God's righteous rule. His victory on the cross, where He disarmed the powers and authorities (Colossians 2:15), was the ultimate giant-slaying act, securing eternal triumph for all who believe. Furthermore, as Jonathan was part of David's family and mighty men, believers are now united with Christ, the greater David, as members of His body, the Church (Ephesians 4:15-16). Through Christ, we are empowered to participate in His ongoing victory over spiritual adversaries, no longer facing our "giants" alone but through the strength of the resurrected Lord who lives within us (Philippians 4:13). Jonathan's courage foreshadows the perfect courage and decisive victory of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).