Lexical Summary Yishbo Benob: Yishbo Benob Original Word: יִשְׁבּוֹ בְּנֹב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ishbi-benob From yashab and Nob, with a pronominal suffix and a preposition interposed; his dwelling (is) in Nob; Jishbo-be-Nob, a Philistine -- Ishbi-benob (from the margin). see HEBREW yashab see HEBREW Nob NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yashab and Nob Definition "his dwelling (is) in Nob," a Philistine NASB Translation Ishbi-benob (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs ישׁבו בְנֹב Kt, יִשׁבּי בְנֹב Qr, proper name, masculine a gigantic Philistine 2 Samuel 21:16; but read וַיֵּשְׁבוּ בְנֹב and they dwelt in Gob, and translated to 2 Samuel 21:15 We Dr Bu. Topical Lexicon Name and Etymology Ishbi-benob (יִשְׁבּוֹ בְּנֹב, “his dwelling is in Nob”) designates a Philistine warrior identified with the Rephaim, an ancient race of giants. The added phrase “of Nob” links him—either by origin or stationed post—to the priestly town just north of Jerusalem (1 Samuel 21:1; Nehemiah 11:32). Biblical Narrative His single appearance occurs during a renewed Philistine offensive in David’s later reign: “Now Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, said he would kill David. But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him” (2 Samuel 21:16-17). The episode is framed by four exploits against giant foes (2 Samuel 21:15-22). While David grew weary on the battlefield, Ishbi-benob seized the moment to end the king’s life. Abishai intervened, preserving the covenant line and prompting David’s men to forbid the aging monarch from front-line combat: “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished” (21:17). Historical Background 1. Period. The conflict belongs to the early tenth century BC, a time when Philistia remained Israel’s chief military rival despite David’s prior victories (2 Samuel 5:17-25). Theological Themes 1. Divine Preservation of the Messianic Line. The near-death of David, the forefather of the Messiah, highlights spiritual opposition to God’s redemptive plan. Yahweh’s providential rescue through Abishai safeguards the “lamp of Israel,” a metaphor anticipating the everlasting kingdom promised in 2 Samuel 7:12-16. Lessons for Today • Giants Resurface. Spiritual battles recur; past victories do not exempt believers from fresh assaults. Vigilance and reliance upon God’s power remain imperative (Ephesians 6:10-13). Cross-References Genesis 6:4; Deuteronomy 2:10-11; 3:11 1 Samuel 17; 21:1; 22:19 2 Samuel 5:17-25; 21:15-22; 23:18 Psalm 18:2; 132:17 Summary Ishbi-benob stands as a fleeting yet telling figure whose threat against David magnifies God’s covenant faithfulness. His downfall through Abishai affirms that no giant, however formidable, can thwart the purpose of the Lord or extinguish the light He has kindled in Israel and fulfilled in Christ. Forms and Transliterations בְּנֹ֜ב בנב bə·nōḇ beNo bənōḇLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 21:16 HEB: (וְיִשְׁבִּ֨י ק) בְּנֹ֜ב אֲשֶׁ֣ר ׀ בִּילִידֵ֣י NAS: Then Ishbi-benob, who KJV: And Ishbibenob, which [was] of the sons INT: Ishbi-benob who the descendants |