And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver's beam.
1 CHRONICLES 20:5KJVWhat does 1 Chronicles 20:5 mean?
1 Chronicles 20:5 records another battle between Israel and the Philistines, where Elhanan, the son of Jair, killed Lahmi, who was the brother of Goliath from Gath. The verse highlights that Lahmi’s spear was as large as a weaver’s beam, emphasizing his strength and the threat he posed.
This verse is part of a list of Israel’s military victories under King David’s leadership. The chronicler is recounting notable warriors and their deeds, showing that Israel faced repeated conflicts with the Philistines. The mention of Lahmi as Goliath’s brother connects this event to the famous story of David and Goliath, underlining the ongoing struggle with formidable enemies.
The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 20:5
- פְּלִשְׁתִּים (P'lishtim, "Philistines"): This word refers to the long-standing enemies of Israel, emphasizing that these battles were part of a larger, ongoing conflict.
- לַחְמִי (Lachmi, "Lahmi"): Naming Lahmi specifically as Goliath’s brother ties this event to earlier stories and highlights the continued threat from Gath’s warriors.
- כְּמָנוֹר אֹרְגִים (k'manor orgim, "like a weaver’s beam"): This phrase describes the size of Lahmi’s spear, painting a vivid picture of his might and making clear why his defeat was noteworthy.
Why 1 Chronicles 20:5 matters
- This verse clarifies that Goliath had a brother named Lahmi, which helps resolve confusion with similar accounts in other books, such as 2 Samuel 21:19.
- The chronicler’s focus on the size of Lahmi’s spear underscores the extraordinary nature of Israel’s victories, showing that their warriors overcame not just ordinary enemies but giants.
- By recording these specific battles and heroes, the passage highlights the ongoing challenges Israel faced and the importance of courageous individuals in securing the nation’s safety.