2 Samuel 21 16

2 Samuel 21:16 kjv

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.

2 Samuel 21:16 nkjv

Then Ishbi-Benob, who was one of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose bronze spear was three hundred shekels, who was bearing a new sword, thought he could kill David.

2 Samuel 21:16 niv

And Ishbi-Benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, whose bronze spearhead weighed three hundred shekels and who was armed with a new sword, said he would kill David.

2 Samuel 21:16 esv

And Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of the giants, whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of bronze, and who was armed with a new sword, thought to kill David.

2 Samuel 21:16 nlt

Ishbi-benob was a descendant of the giants ; his bronze spearhead weighed more than seven pounds, and he was armed with a new sword. He had cornered David and was about to kill him.

2 Samuel 21 verses

2 Samuel 21 16 Meaning

2 Samuel 21:16 describes a critical moment when Ishbi-Benob, a formidable Philistine giant and descendant of Rapha, identified the aged King David's vulnerability during a battle. Ishbi-Benob, wielding an exceptionally heavy bronze spear and a sharp, new sword, intended to strike down and kill David, posing a grave threat to the king's life.

2 Samuel 21 16 Context

2 Samuel chapter 21 is part of an appendix to the Books of Samuel (chapters 21-24), providing additional significant historical accounts from David's reign. This section is structured thematically rather than strictly chronologically. It records various events demonstrating God's faithfulness and David's enduring kingship, including the defeat of Philistine giants, as seen in this verse. Specifically, 2 Samuel 21:16 begins an account of four individual giants, descendants of Rapha (Rephaim), who were defeated by David's men, following a three-year famine related to Saul's actions against the Gibeonites. The immediate context of verse 16 highlights David's physical decline due to old age and weariness from battle, which makes him vulnerable to his giant adversary, in stark contrast to his younger days of strength when he defeated Goliath. This event prompts his men to forbid him from accompanying them to battle again, fearing for the "lamp of Israel" (David's life, 2 Sam 21:17). The episode underscores both God's continued protection of David's life and His use of David's faithful warriors as instruments of that protection.

2 Samuel 21 16 Word analysis

• And Ishbi-Benob (וְיִשְׁבִּי בְנֹב, ve-Yishbi benob): Identifies a specific giant, a formidable individual Philistine warrior. His name might mean "His dwelling is in Nob" or "He that sits in Nob," potentially linking him to a historical site and giving him a significant origin. The Philistines, residing on the western coast of Israel, were long-standing enemies of God's people.
• who was one of the sons of Rapha (אֲשֶׁר יֶלֶד לְהָרָפָה, asher yeled le-hāRāphāh): This indicates he belonged to a race or lineage of giants known as the Rephaim. The term "Rapha" often refers to the progenitor or ancestor of this giant race. This lineage reinforces the immense size, strength, and formidable nature of Ishbi-Benob, drawing on Israel's collective memory of these formidable inhabitants of Canaan before and during the conquest.
• the weight of whose spear (מִשְׁקַל חֲנִיתוֹ, mishqal ḥaniyto): Describes the sheer mass of his weapon, indicating not only its destructive potential but also the extraordinary strength of the giant wielding it. A spear in ancient warfare was a crucial weapon, capable of both thrusting and throwing.
• was three hundred shekels of bronze (שְׁלֹשׁ מֵאוֹת שְׁקָלִים נְחֹשֶׁת, shlosh me’ot sheqalim neḥoshet): Specifies the precise weight (approx. 3.4-3.5 kg or 7.5 lbs) and material of the spearhead. Bronze was a standard metal for weapons in that era. This detail highlights the unusual scale of the weapon and the warrior's physical might, intended to inflict a crushing blow. It evokes a similar image to Goliath's much heavier spear (1 Sam 17:7), suggesting these were a common feature of these giant warriors.
• he being armed with a new sword (וְהוּא חָגוּר חֲדָשָׁה חֶרֶב, ve-hu ḥagur ḥadashah ḥerev): Emphasizes Ishbi-Benob's readiness and deadly intent. "New" (ḥadashah) suggests a fresh, sharp, or superior weapon, indicating specific preparation or renewed focus on dispatching David quickly and decisively. This sword could be used for close-quarters combat after an initial spear thrust.
• thought to have slain David (וַיֹּאמֶר לְהַכּוֹת אֶת־דָּוִד, vayo'mer lehakkot et-Dawid): Clearly states the giant's premeditated and direct intent. "Thought" (āmar, literally "said" or "resolved") signifies a firm determination and decision to kill the king. David's life was explicitly targeted.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And Ishbi-Benob, who was one of the sons of Rapha": This opening identifies the primary antagonist and immediately establishes his identity as part of a renowned lineage of formidable, ancient giants. It signals a threat on par with the powerful enemies of Israel throughout their history, not merely an ordinary soldier. His very lineage makes him a symbol of the enduring power of darkness and the world's opposition to God's chosen.
• "the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels of bronze, he being armed with a new sword": This detailed description paints a picture of immense physical strength and military readiness. The dual weaponry (heavy spear for distance/power, new sword for precision/closeness) signifies a complete and lethal offensive arsenal, underscoring the serious nature of the threat David faced. The new sword emphasizes that this was not merely an old battle-worn weapon, but one optimized for the task at hand—a swift and fatal strike.
• "thought to have slain David": This phrase captures the immediate, direct, and mortal danger David was in. The giant perceived David's vulnerability (which the following verse confirms due to his aging) and saw a strategic opportunity to eliminate the leader of God's people. This highlights the constant peril faced by those in positions of spiritual leadership, as adversaries seek to undermine or destroy God's instruments.

2 Samuel 21 16 Bonus section

• Theological Significance of Giants: The recurrence of giants (Rephaim) throughout the Old Testament narratives, from the time of Abraham to David, signifies persistent and formidable foes of God's people. They represent not just physical challenges, but symbolic powers that oppose God's plans and the establishment of His kingdom. Their ultimate defeat consistently highlights God's superior power and His faithfulness to deliver His people, often through unexpected means.
• David's Declining Strength: This verse implicitly contrasts David's legendary youthful strength, epitomized by his defeat of Goliath (a fellow Philistine giant), with his later vulnerability. It highlights the reality of human physical limitations even for the greatest of heroes. This vulnerability necessitates the support and protection of his faithful mighty men, foreshadowing the collective nature of the body of Christ in protecting and supporting its members.
• Providence Through Human Action: While the text emphasizes the immediate threat from Ishbi-Benob, the very next verse reveals Abishai's intervention. This illustrates the principle that God's providence often works through the faithfulness and courage of His human instruments, rather than always through direct, miraculous displays. This event strengthens the conviction of David's men that his life was too precious for the risk, leading them to extract an oath from him never to go to battle again.

2 Samuel 21 16 Commentary

2 Samuel 21:16 captures a critical and deeply personal threat to King David during a Philistine conflict. Ishbi-Benob, a giant of the infamous Rapha lineage, recognized David's aging and weariness as a window of opportunity. This colossal figure, armed with both a massive bronze spear and a freshly sharpened sword, determined to execute David. This moment underscores several profound truths: even God's mightiest servants experience vulnerability and physical decline; spiritual adversaries (often symbolized by powerful, imposing figures like giants) are relentless in their pursuit of God's anointed; and divine protection, though constant, is often mediated through others. It sets the stage for Abishai's timely intervention in the subsequent verse, revealing God's hand preserving His chosen king, whose line was covenanted to lead to the Messiah. This event also serves as a potent reminder that the Lord protects His people not always by direct miraculous intervention, but frequently through the courage and faithfulness of His servants who stand in the gap.