Definition and Location:
Gob is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of battles between the Israelites and the Philistines. It is identified as a site where significant military encounters took place during the reign of King David. The exact geographical location of Gob is not definitively known, but it is generally considered to be in the region of Philistia, which is along the coastal plain of ancient Canaan, in the vicinity of the Philistine cities.

Biblical References:
Gob is mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:18-19, which records two separate battles between the Israelites and the Philistines. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following account:

· 2 Samuel 21:18 : "Some time later, there was another battle with the Philistines at Gob. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, one of the descendants of Rapha."
· 2 Samuel 21:19 : "Once again there was a battle with the Philistines at Gob, and Elhanan son of Jaare-oregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam."

These passages highlight Gob as a significant battlefield where notable warriors of Israel achieved victories over formidable Philistine opponents.

Historical and Theological Significance:
The battles at Gob are part of a series of conflicts between Israel and the Philistines, illustrating the ongoing struggle for dominance in the region. The victories at Gob, particularly those involving the defeat of giants or descendants of Rapha, underscore the theme of divine assistance and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. The accounts of these battles serve to demonstrate the valor and faithfulness of David's warriors, who played a crucial role in securing Israel's borders and establishing David's kingdom.

The mention of Elhanan killing "Goliath the Gittite" in 2 Samuel 21:19 has been a subject of discussion among scholars, as it appears to conflict with the more famous account of David killing Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Some interpretations suggest that "Goliath" may have been a title or that there were multiple giants with similar names. Others propose textual variations or scribal errors in the transmission of the text. Despite these discussions, the narrative emphasizes the continued threat posed by the Philistines and the ongoing deliverance provided by God through His chosen leaders.

Cultural Context:
The Philistines were a significant power in the region during the time of the United Monarchy in Israel. Known for their advanced military technology, including the use of iron weapons and chariots, the Philistines were formidable adversaries. The battles at Gob reflect the broader historical context of Israel's struggle to establish itself as a nation under God's covenant, amidst surrounding hostile nations.

Conclusion:
The references to Gob in the Bible, though brief, contribute to the larger narrative of Israel's history and God's faithfulness in delivering His people. The accounts of the battles at Gob highlight the courage and skill of David's warriors and serve as a testament to the divine support that enabled Israel to overcome its enemies.Gob

cistern; grasshopper

Gob

(cistern), a place mentioned only in (2 Samuel 21:18,19) as the scene of two encounters between David's warriors and the Philistines. In the parallel account in (1 Chronicles 20:4) the name is given as GEZER.

A pit, a place mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:18, 19; called also Gezer, in 1 Chronicles 20:4. 1. (n.) Same as Goaf.

2. (n.) A little mass or collection; a small quantity; a mouthful.

3. (n.) The mouth.

GOB

gob (gobh): A place mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:18 as the scene of two of David's battles with the Philistines. The name appears here only. In the parallel passage, 1 Chronicles 20:4, it is called Gezer (compare Ant, VII, xii, 2). Certain texts read "Nob" for "Gob," while Syriac and Septuagint read "Gath." The latter is probably correct.

1359. Gob -- a place in Palestine
... 1358, 1359. Gob. 1360 . a place in Palestine. Transliteration: Gob Phonetic
Spelling: (gobe) Short Definition: Gob. ... NASB Word Usage Gob (2). Gob. ...
/hebrew/1359.htm - 6k

1358. gob -- a pit, den
... 1357, 1358. gob. 1359 . a pit, den. Transliteration: gob Phonetic Spelling:
(gobe) Short Definition: den. ... 1357, 1358. gob. 1359 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1358.htm - 6k

1462. gob -- locusts
... 1461, 1462. gob. 1463 . locusts. Transliteration: gob Phonetic Spelling: (gobe)
Short Definition: grasshoppers. ... 1461, 1462. gob. 1463 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/1462.htm - 6k

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Gob (3 Occurrences)
...GOB. gob (gobh): A place mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:18 as the scene of two of David's
battles with the Philistines. ... Multi-Version Concordance Gob (3 Occurrences). ...
/g/gob.htm - 8k

Elhanan (4 Occurrences)
... is a discrepancy between 2 Samuel 21:19 and 1 Chronicles 20:5. In the former passage
we read, "And there was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan ...
/e/elhanan.htm - 10k

Argob (6 Occurrences)
... (see BASHAN.). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ARGOB (1). ar'-gob ('argobh, "story"):
A locality or a person mentioned in the obscure passage 2 Kings 15:25. ...
/a/argob.htm - 15k

Sibbecai (5 Occurrences)
... He slew the giant Saph in the battle of Gob (2 Samuel 21:18; RV, "Sibbechai").
Called also Mebunnai (23:27). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/s/sibbecai.htm - 8k

Jaareoregim (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Samuel 21:19 There was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the
son of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite's brother, the ...
/j/jaareoregim.htm - 8k

Jaare-oregim (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Samuel 21:19 And there was again a battle at Gob with the Philistines; and Elhanan
the son of Jaare-oregim, a Bethlehemite, smote Goliath the Gittite; now ...
/j/jaare-oregim.htm - 8k

Ja'areor'egim (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Samuel 21:19 There was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the
son of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite's brother, the ...
/j/ja'areor'egim.htm - 6k

Go-between (2 Occurrences)
Go-between. Gob, Go-between. Goblet . Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) An ...
is one. (BBE). Gob, Go-between. Goblet . Reference Bible.
/g/go-between.htm - 7k

Gittite (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 21:19 There was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the
son of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite's brother, the ...
/g/gittite.htm - 10k

Gittite's (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Samuel 21:19 There was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the
son of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite's brother, the ...
/g/gittite's.htm - 6k

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