Ishbi-benob יִשְׁבּוֹ בְּנֹב

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Philistine giant who fought against David's men.

Who is Ishbi-benob in the Bible?

Ishbi-benob was a Philistine giant and descendant of the giants who confronted King David during the later battles between Israel and Philistia (2 Samuel 21:16). Armed with a bronze spear weighing three hundred shekels and a new sword, he threatened to kill David during a battle at Gob, but David's warrior Abishai came to his aid and struck down the giant. Following this encounter, David's men urged him to stop going into battle, fearing his death would extinguish "the lamp of Israel" (2 Samuel 21:17). Ishbi-benob's story illustrates the persistent threat of the Philistine giants during David's reign and highlights the loyalty and valor of David's mighty men in protecting their king.

Biography

Ishbi-benob was a Philistine warrior described as a descendant of the giants (2Sa.21.16). During a battle at Gob, he wielded a bronze spear weighing three hundred shekels and was armed with a new sword. Ishbi-benob attempted to kill King David, who had grown weary in the fight. However, Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to David's aid and struck down the Philistine and killed him. After this incident, David's men urged him not to go out to battle anymore, lest he quench the lamp of Israel (2Sa.21.17). This event demonstrates the ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines during David's reign, as well as the loyalty of David's mighty men.

Family

In Scripture

1 biblical book
2 Samuel 1 verse
  • 2 Samuel 21:16

    "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."

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew יִשְׁבּוֹ בְּנֹב
Encyclopedia Article

Ishbi-benob

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

nd David's life saved by the act (21:16,17).

ish'-hod ('ishehodh, "man of majesty"): A man of the tribe of Manasseh (1Ch 7:18, the King James Version "Ishod").

ish'-i (yish`i, "salu