Ishbi-Benob
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Introduction:
Ishbi-benob is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the ongoing conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines. He is noted for his association with the Rephaim, a group of giants mentioned in the biblical narrative. His encounter with King David is a significant event that highlights the continued struggles faced by Israel during the reign of David.

Biblical Reference:
Ishbi-benob is mentioned in 2 Samuel 21:16-17. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following account: "Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, 'You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished.'"

Historical and Cultural Context:
Ishbi-benob is described as a descendant of Rapha, indicating his lineage from the Rephaim, a race of giants that inhabited the land before and during the time of the Israelites. The Rephaim are often associated with the Philistines, who were frequent adversaries of Israel. The mention of his bronze spear and new sword underscores the formidable nature of the Philistine warriors and their advanced weaponry.

Significance in the Davidic Narrative:
The encounter with Ishbi-benob occurs during a period of renewed conflict between Israel and the Philistines. This episode is significant as it illustrates the vulnerability of King David, who by this time was advanced in years. The narrative emphasizes the loyalty and bravery of David's men, particularly Abishai, who intervenes to save the king. This act of valor not only preserves David's life but also reinforces the unity and strength of his warriors.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the account of Ishbi-benob serves as a reminder of God's providence and protection over His chosen leaders. Despite the physical threats posed by formidable enemies, God's purposes for Israel and its king are safeguarded through the courage and faithfulness of those who serve Him. The incident also highlights the importance of community and support within the body of believers, as seen in the collective effort to protect David, the "lamp of Israel."

Legacy and Lessons:
Ishbi-benob's attempt on David's life and the subsequent intervention by Abishai underscore the perpetual struggle between good and evil, a theme prevalent throughout the biblical narrative. The account serves as a testament to the necessity of vigilance and readiness in the face of spiritual and physical adversaries. It also illustrates the importance of leadership succession and the need for wise counsel and support for those in positions of authority.

In summary, Ishbi-benob's brief but impactful appearance in the biblical text provides insight into the challenges faced by Israel during David's reign and underscores the enduring themes of divine protection, loyalty, and the triumph of God's purposes over the forces of opposition.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Ishbi-Benob

respiration; conversion; taking captive

Easton's Bible Dictionary
My seat at Nob, one of the Rephaim, whose spear was three hundred shekels in weight. He was slain by Abishai (2 Samuel 21:16, 17).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ISHBI-BENOB

ish-bi-be'-nob (yishbi bhenobh): One of the four "born to the giant in Gath" who were slain by David and his men (2 Samuel 21:15-22). Ishbi-benob was slain by Abishai, and David's life saved by the act (21:16, 17).

Strong's Hebrew
3430. Yishbo Benob -- "his dwelling (is) in Nob," a Philistine
... "his dwelling (is) in Nob," a Philistine. Transliteration: Yishbo Benob Phonetic
Spelling: (yish-bo'beh-nobe) Short Definition: Ishbi-benob. ... Ishbi-benob. ...
/hebrew/3430.htm - 6k
Library

Divers Matters.
... "Antigonus of Soco received the Cabala of Simeon the Just.". VI. "Be Teri and Kubi."
The Gemarists, speaking of David's battle with Ishbi-benob, 2 Samuel 21 ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 55 divers matters.htm

Thesaurus
Ishbibenob (1 Occurrence)
...Ishbi-benob was slain by Abishai, and David's life saved by the act (21:16,
17). Multi-Version Concordance Ishbibenob (1 Occurrence). ...
/i/ishbibenob.htm - 7k

Ishbi-benob (1 Occurrence)
Ishbi-benob. Ishbibenob, Ishbi-benob. Ish'bi-be'nob . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(WBS YLT NAS NIV). Ishbibenob, Ishbi-benob. Ish'bi-be'nob . Reference Bible
/i/ishbi-benob.htm - 7k

Ish'bi-be'nob (1 Occurrence)
Ish'bi-be'nob. Ishbi-benob, Ish'bi-be'nob. Ishbosheth . Multi-Version Concordance
Ish'bi-be'nob (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 21:16 And Ishbibenob, who was of the ...
/i/ish'bi-be'nob.htm - 6k

Lance (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 21:16 And Ishbibenob, who was of the children of Raphah the weight of his
lance was three hundred shekels of bronze, and he was girded with new armour ...
/l/lance.htm - 9k

Giant (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 21:16 and Ishbibenob, who was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose
spear was three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a ...
/g/giant.htm - 9k

Weighed (44 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 21:16 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 ...
/w/weighed.htm - 20k

Ishbak (2 Occurrences)

/i/ishbak.htm - 7k

Raphah (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 21:16 And Ishbibenob, who was of the children of Raphah the weight of his
lance was three hundred shekels of bronze, and he was girded with new armour ...
/r/raphah.htm - 8k

Rapha (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 21:16 And Ishbibenob, who was of the children of Raphah the weight of his
lance was three hundred shekels of bronze, and he was girded with new armour ...
/r/rapha.htm - 10k

Abishai (25 Occurrences)
... Samuel 18:2, 5, 12). He slew the Philistine giant Ishbi-benob, who threatened
David's life (2 Samuel 21:15-17). He was the chief ...
/a/abishai.htm - 19k

Resources
Why did David choose five smooth stones before going to fight Goliath? | GotQuestions.org

Was Goliath one of the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Ishbi-benob (1 Occurrence)

2 Samuel 21:16
And Ishbi-benob, who was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.
(WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Ishbi-Benob

Ishbi-Benob: A Giant Warrior, Killed by Abishai

Related Terms

Ishbosheth (13 Occurrences)

Ishbi-benob (1 Occurrence)

Ishbibenob (1 Occurrence)

Ishbibenob
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