### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Gôb**, represented by `{{H1359}}`, is a proper name for a place in Palestine, also defined as a "pit". It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the historical narratives of 2 Samuel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Gôb** is mentioned solely as the location for significant military engagements against the Philistines. It is the site where "there was again a battle" [[2 Samuel 21:18]]. The first account records that at **Gôb**, Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, who was one of the sons of the giant [[2 Samuel 21:18]]. A subsequent battle in **Gôb** saw Elhanan, a Bethlehemite, slay the brother of Goliath the Gittite [[2 Samuel 21:19]]. In both instances, **Gôb** is the setting for an Israelite warrior defeating a formidable Philistine opponent.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the context surrounding the events at **Gôb**:
* `{{H4421}}` **milchâmâh** (a battle; war): This word establishes the sole context for **Gôb**'s appearance in scripture, as it is only mentioned as the location of a **battle** ([[2 Samuel 21:18]], [[2 Samuel 21:19]]).
* `{{H6430}}` **Pᵉlishtîy** (a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth; Philistine): The conflicts at **Gôb** are specifically waged against the **Philistines**, underscoring the ongoing hostilities between them and Israel [[2 Samuel 21:18]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike, kill): This verb describes the decisive action in both narratives, where an Israelite champion **slew** a Philistine hero at **Gôb** ([[2 Samuel 21:18]], [[2 Samuel 21:19]]).
* `{{H7497}}` **râphâʼ** (a giant): This term highlights the notable stature of the enemies defeated at **Gôb**. The slain were descendants of the **giant** or the brother of Goliath, emphasizing the magnitude of the victories [[2 Samuel 21:18]].
### Theological Significance
The brief mentions of **Gôb** carry thematic significance regarding Israel's conflicts and victories.
* **A Stage for Israelite Champions:** **Gôb** is remembered as a place where specific Israelite heroes, Sibbechai the Hushathite and Elhanan the Bethlehemite, confronted and defeated powerful enemies of Israel ([[2 Samuel 21:18]], [[2 Samuel 21:19]]).
* **Overcoming Formidable Foes:** The enemies slain at **Gôb** are explicitly linked to giants, representing the defeat of seemingly insurmountable threats ([[2 Samuel 21:18]], [[2 Samuel 21:19]]). These events underscore a recurring theme that the **battle** belongs to God [[2 Chronicles 20:15]].
* **A Landmark in the Philistine Wars:** As a named location for repeated battles, **Gôb** serves as a memorial in the ongoing military history between Israel and the Philistines, marking specific instances of Israelite triumph.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1359}}` **Gôb** is a specific place name tied directly to Israel's military history. Though mentioned only twice, it is consistently portrayed as a battlefield where Israelite warriors triumphed over Philistine champions of giant stature. The name is preserved in scripture not for its geographical features, but for the significant victories that occurred there, serving as a testament to the defeat of powerful adversaries.
TRV