patrial from גִּלֹה; a Gilonite or inhabitant of Giloh; Gilonite.
Transliteration:Gîylônîy
Pronunciation:ghee-lo-nee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term *Gîylônîy* (`{{H1526}}`) is a patrial adjective, signifying an inhabitant or native of the place called Giloh. Its semantic range is narrow and precise, serving primarily as a geographical identifier. As a derivative of the place name *Giloh* (`{{H1550}}`), it denotes a person's origin or association with that specific locale. In biblical usage, this term functions akin to a surname, indicating tribal or regional affiliation rather than a descriptive quality of the person themselves.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *Gîylônîy* (`{{H1526}}`) appears exclusively in the biblical text in reference to one individual: Ahithophel, David's renowned counselor. The occurrences are found in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion against King David:
* [[2 Samuel 15:12]]: "And while Absalom was offering sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city, from Giloh." This verse explicitly links Ahithophel to his hometown, Giloh, emphasizing his origin.
* [[2 Samuel 15:31]]: "And David was told, 'Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.' And David said, 'O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.'" Here, Ahithophel's identity as "the Gilonite" is maintained even in the context of his betrayal, highlighting the shock of his defection.
* [[2 Samuel 17:23]]: "When Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and arose and went to his home, to his city. And he set his house in order and hanged himself, and he died and was buried in the tomb of his father." The final mention of "the Gilonite" reinforces his origin even in the tragic conclusion of his life.
The consistent application of *Gîylônîy* to Ahithophel underscores his identity and the significance of his hometown in the unfolding drama. Giloh itself was a city in the hill country of Judah ([[Joshua 15:51]]), placing Ahithophel within the tribal territory of Judah, like David himself. This shared tribal heritage makes Ahithophel's betrayal even more poignant, as it represents a defection from within David's own people and inner circle. The repeated identification serves to firmly anchor Ahithophel's character and actions within a specific geographical and socio-political context.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the place name *Giloh* (גִּלֹה, `{{H1550}}`), from which *Gîylônîy* (`{{H1526}}`) is directly derived. Giloh is listed among the cities of Judah in the hill country ([[Joshua 15:51]]). Its precise location is debated, but it was evidently a significant enough settlement to be identified as Ahithophel's home city.
Beyond the direct lexical connection, the term *Gîylônîy* is inextricably linked to several key biblical concepts through the narrative of Ahithophel:
* **Wisdom and Counsel:** Ahithophel was renowned for his sagacity, his counsel being "as if one consulted the word of God" ([[2 Samuel 16:23]]). The Gilonite identity thus becomes associated with exceptional, albeit ultimately flawed, human wisdom.
* **Loyalty and Betrayal:** Ahithophel's defection from David to Absalom represents a profound act of betrayal, turning a trusted confidant into a formidable adversary. The "Gilonite" identity, therefore, subtly points to the paradox of a wise man who chose a path of disloyalty.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The frustration of Ahithophel's "good counsel" by God's intervention, through Hushai's counter-counsel, is a powerful demonstration of divine control over human affairs, even the most cunning and well-laid plans ([[2 Samuel 17:14]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *Gîylônîy* (`{{H1526}}`) is not intrinsic to the word itself, but rather emerges from its singular association with Ahithophel and the dramatic events in which he played a central role. Ahithophel the Gilonite serves as a vivid biblical illustration of several profound theological truths:
* **The Limits of Human Wisdom:** Ahithophel's counsel was considered divine in its wisdom, yet it was ultimately thwarted by God. This underscores the biblical principle that human wisdom, no matter how profound, is always subordinate to divine wisdom and purpose. God can, and often does, intervene to frustrate the plans of the wise when they oppose His will ([[Isaiah 29:14]], [[1 Corinthians 1:19-20]]).
* **The Consequences of Rebellion Against God's Anointed:** Ahithophel's betrayal of David, God's chosen king, is a stark example of rebellion. His subsequent suicide is presented as the tragic outcome of a life that turned against divine order and authority.
* **Divine Providence and Protection:** The narrative of Ahithophel's counsel being turned into foolishness is a powerful testament to God's active providence in protecting His chosen servants and fulfilling His covenant promises. Even in the midst of severe internal strife and apparent chaos, God remains sovereign over events, ensuring His ultimate purposes are achieved. The "Gilonite" is thus a character whose story exemplifies God's unwavering faithfulness to the Davidic covenant.
### Summary
*Gîylônîy* (`{{H1526}}`) is a patrial adjective meaning "an inhabitant of Giloh," a city in the Judean hill country. Its sole biblical application is to Ahithophel, David's exceptionally wise but ultimately treacherous counselor. The recurring identification of Ahithophel as "the Gilonite" anchors his pivotal role in Absalom's rebellion within a specific geographical and tribal context. Theologically, the term derives its significance from the narrative of Ahithophel, which powerfully illustrates the limitations of human wisdom when it opposes divine will, the grave consequences of rebellion against God's anointed, and the unwavering providence of God in protecting His plans and people. Thus, while seemingly a simple geographical descriptor, *Gîylônîy* points to a profound biblical lesson on divine sovereignty and human destiny.
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