### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Gilôh**, represented by `{{H1542}}`, identifies **a place in Palestine**. It appears **2 times** in **2 verses** in the Bible. The name itself is defined as **open**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1542}}` is first mentioned as a **city** in the hill country of Judah, listed among other cities like Goshen and Holon [[Joshua 15:51]]. It is later identified as the hometown of Ahithophel the Gilonite, who was David's counsellor. During Absalom's conspiracy against David, Ahithophel was summoned from his **city**, **Giloh**, to aid the rebellion [[2 Samuel 15:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help place **Giloh** in its biblical context:
* `{{H1526}}` **Gîylônîy** (a Gilonite or inhabitant of Giloh): This term is a patrial, directly identifying a person from **Giloh**. It is used to describe Ahithophel, linking his identity to his hometown [[2 Samuel 15:12]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (a city): This word is used to classify **Giloh** as an established settlement. It is identified as a **city** both in the list of Judah's inheritance [[Joshua 15:51]] and as the home of Ahithophel [[2 Samuel 15:12]].
* `{{H3289}}` **yâʻats** (to advise;...counsel...): This word is linked to **Giloh** through its most famous resident, Ahithophel, who served as David's **counsellor** before joining Absalom's conspiracy [[2 Samuel 15:12]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1542}}` is tied to the narrative events associated with it.
* **A Place of Political Intrigue:** **Giloh** is the origin point for a key figure in Absalom's rebellion. It is the home of Ahithophel, whose counsel was sought to undermine God's chosen king, David [[2 Samuel 15:12]].
* **The Fallibility of Human Counsel:** The story involving the man from **Giloh** illustrates that even the most respected human advice can be set against God's purpose. Ahithophel's role as **counsellor** `{{H3289}}` stands in contrast to the LORD's unfailing counsel and purpose mentioned elsewhere [[Isaiah 14:27]].
* **A Landmark in Judah's Inheritance:** On a foundational level, its inclusion in the list of cities given to Judah signifies its part in God's covenant promises regarding the land [[Joshua 15:51]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1542}}` is a place name that carries significant narrative weight. While first identified as one of the **cities** allotted to Judah [[Joshua 15:51]], its primary importance in scripture comes from its association with Ahithophel the Gilonite. **Giloh** thus serves as the backdrop for a critical moment of betrayal and political conspiracy, highlighting the conflict between flawed human counsel and God's enduring purpose [[2 Samuel 15:12]].
TRV