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 21:16KJVWhat does 2 Samuel 21:16 mean?
2 Samuel 21:16 describes a moment when Ishbibenob, a descendant of the giants, tried to kill David during a battle. The verse highlights the threat Ishbibenob posed by mentioning the heavy weight of his spear and his new sword, showing he was a formidable opponent.
This scene takes place during a period of ongoing conflict between the Philistines and Israel. David, now older, is still leading his people in battle. Ishbibenob, identified as one of the "sons of the giant," targets David specifically, suggesting David's life was in real danger. The verse sets up the seriousness of the situation and the need for David's men to protect him.
The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 21:16
- גִּבּוֹן (Ishbibenob, transliterated "Yishbivnov"): This name marks the attacker as a unique individual, and the text links him to the giants, connecting back to earlier stories of formidable enemies in Israel's history.
- רָפָא (giant, transliterated "rapha’"): This word refers to a group of ancient giants, often called the Rephaim, emphasizing that Ishbibenob was not just any warrior but descended from a legendary line.
- נְחֹשֶׁת (brass, transliterated "nechoshet"): The mention of a spear weighing "three hundred shekels of brass" underlines the extraordinary strength required to wield such a weapon, making Ishbibenob's threat to David even more serious.
- חָדָשׁ (new, transliterated "chadash"): The detail that Ishbibenob was "girded with a new sword" suggests he was well-equipped and possibly eager to prove himself in battle.
Why 2 Samuel 21:16 matters
- This verse clarifies that David faced real, physical threats even late in his reign, countering any idea that his later years were free from danger.
- The mention of Ishbibenob's lineage and weaponry connects this battle to earlier stories of giants like Goliath, reminding readers of ongoing challenges Israel faced.
- The verse sets up the following narrative, where David's men step in to protect him, marking a turning point where David is no longer able to fight alone and needs the support of his warriors.