or (fully) גִּילֹה; from גָּלָה; open; Giloh, a place in Palestine; Giloh.
Transliteration:Gilôh
Pronunciation:ghee-lo'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גִּלֹה (Gilôh, `{{H1542}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a place name. Its etymological root is derived from the verb גָּלָה (galah, `{{H1540}}`), which carries the primary meaning "to uncover, reveal, disclose," and also "to go into exile." The base definition provided for Giloh is "open," suggesting a geographical characteristic. As a place name, its semantic range is limited to its referent, a specific location in ancient Israel. The connection to "open" or "uncovered" from its root might imply a site that was exposed, visible, or perhaps situated in an open landscape, though this is speculative regarding its exact topography.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Giloh (גִּלֹה, `{{H1542}}`) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance providing crucial contextual information:
1. **[[Joshua 15:51]]**: Giloh is listed as one of the cities in the hill country (the Shephelah) belonging to the tribe of Judah. It is grouped with other towns such as Goshen, Holon, and Debir, indicating its geographical placement within Judah's allotted territory. This verse establishes Giloh as a recognized settlement within the tribal inheritance, underscoring its existence as a historical locality.
2. **[[2 Samuel 15:12]]**: This is the more significant occurrence, linking Giloh directly to the prominent figure Ahithophel. The text states that Absalom "sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counselor, from his city, even from Giloh." This identifies Ahithophel as being "from Giloh," making him "the Gilonite." Ahithophel's counsel was highly esteemed, "as if one had inquired of the word of God" ([[2 Samuel 16:23]]). His origin from Giloh thus connects this otherwise obscure place to one of the most pivotal and tragic events in David's reign: Absalom's rebellion. The narrative highlights Ahithophel's betrayal and his eventual suicide, making Giloh the place of origin for a figure whose wisdom turned to folly and treachery.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for Giloh (`{{H1542}}`) is its root verb גָּלָה (galah, `{{H1540}}`), meaning "to uncover, reveal, disclose, go into exile." While Giloh is a proper noun, its etymological link to "openness" or "uncovering" is notable.
Beyond its etymology, Giloh is conceptually linked to:
* **The Tribe of Judah:** As part of Judah's inheritance, it is situated within the broader geographical and historical context of this foundational tribe.
* **The Hill Country (Shephelah):** Its location within this region connects it to the specific topography and strategic importance of the Judean highlands.
* **Ahithophel the Gilonite (`{{H295}}`):** This is the most significant conceptual link. Ahithophel's character, his renowned wisdom, his betrayal of David, and his subsequent death are inextricably tied to his identity as a native of Giloh. The narrative of Absalom's rebellion, including David's prayer for God to "turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness" ([[2 Samuel 15:31]]), is directly related to a man from Giloh.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical location, Giloh itself does not possess inherent theological significance in the manner of Jerusalem or Bethel. Its importance is derived almost entirely from its association with Ahithophel. The narrative involving Ahithophel, "the Gilonite," serves as a powerful theological illustration:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Human Wisdom:** David's earnest prayer in [[2 Samuel 15:31]] for God to frustrate Ahithophel's counsel demonstrates a profound trust in God's ultimate control over human affairs, even the most astute and seemingly infallible wisdom. God indeed answers this prayer, turning Ahithophel's counsel into foolishness, ultimately leading to Absalom's downfall and Ahithophel's own demise. This highlights that even the most brilliant human strategies are subject to divine will.
2. **The Folly of Treachery:** Ahithophel's betrayal of David, despite his esteemed position and wisdom, underscores the destructive nature of disloyalty. His end, taking his own life, serves as a stark warning about the consequences of opposing God's anointed and pursuing selfish ambition. The place of his origin, Giloh, thus becomes subtly connected to this narrative of fallen wisdom and tragic consequence.
3. **God's Preservation of His Anointed:** The defeat of Absalom's rebellion, in which Ahithophel played a key role, is ultimately a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving David and his dynasty. Giloh, as the home of the primary strategist against David, implicitly stands in the shadow of this divine protection.
### Summary
Giloh (גִּלֹה, `{{H1542}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun designating a city in the hill country of Judah, derived from the root meaning "to uncover" or "open." While its geographical mention in [[Joshua 15:51]] establishes its historical existence, its primary biblical significance stems from its association with Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's highly respected counselor who notoriously betrayed him during Absalom's rebellion ([[2 Samuel 15:12]]). The narrative involving Ahithophel underscores profound theological truths: the ultimate sovereignty of God over human wisdom, the dire consequences of treachery, and God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen ones. Thus, Giloh, though a seemingly minor place, is inextricably linked to a pivotal moment in Israel's history and a powerful demonstration of divine intervention.
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