Elhanan’s defeat of Lahmi, brother of Goliath, highlights Israel’s ongoing victories over the Philistines, underscoring God’s power to deliver His people through faithful servants.
In this passage, we read: And there was war with the Philistines again, and Elhanan the son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. (v.5) The text places us amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and the Philistines, a group that occupied the coastal region in the southwest of ancient Canaan, near the area of Gath. During this period (roughly the 10th century BC), King David’s forces repeatedly clashed with the Philistines. Here, a warrior named Elhanan takes center stage, striking down Lahmi, noted as Goliath’s brother. The similarity of Lahmi’s weapon to a “weaver’s beam” recalls the formidable size and weaponry that once characterized Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, hinting at the continued threat posed by this Philistine clan.
Elhanan, identified as the son of Jair, exemplifies the valor of Israel’s fighters who served under David. While the better-known story is David’s victory over Goliath, this verse shows that other battles took place against Goliath’s family—foes who still boasted great size and military prowess. The defeat of Lahmi continued to establish King David’s reign as one blessed by God, just as earlier successes had. In the broader context of 1 Chronicles 20, we see David and his men winning critical engagements, leading to Israel claiming spoils of war, which in verse 2 included a precious crown—implying significant triumphs against the Philistines.
On a deeper spiritual level, Israel’s deliverance in each of these encounters reinforces the truth that God stands with those who rely on Him. Although these conflicts were localized to a specific time and place, believers today can still glean inspiration from Elhanan’s victory in trusting that God can deliver us from our own “giants.” David’s experiences prefigure the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ, who overcame every obstacle, providing victory and life for all who place their faith in Him (Colossians 2:13-15).
Elhanan’s act of killing Lahmi underscores Israel’s continued triumph over the lingering threats of the Philistines and further solidifies David’s righteous kingship, confirming that God’s people can conquer even the greatest adversities when they stand firm under His guidance.
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1 Chronicles 20:5 meaning
In this passage, we read: And there was war with the Philistines again, and Elhanan the son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. (v.5) The text places us amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and the Philistines, a group that occupied the coastal region in the southwest of ancient Canaan, near the area of Gath. During this period (roughly the 10th century BC), King David’s forces repeatedly clashed with the Philistines. Here, a warrior named Elhanan takes center stage, striking down Lahmi, noted as Goliath’s brother. The similarity of Lahmi’s weapon to a “weaver’s beam” recalls the formidable size and weaponry that once characterized Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, hinting at the continued threat posed by this Philistine clan.
Elhanan, identified as the son of Jair, exemplifies the valor of Israel’s fighters who served under David. While the better-known story is David’s victory over Goliath, this verse shows that other battles took place against Goliath’s family—foes who still boasted great size and military prowess. The defeat of Lahmi continued to establish King David’s reign as one blessed by God, just as earlier successes had. In the broader context of 1 Chronicles 20, we see David and his men winning critical engagements, leading to Israel claiming spoils of war, which in verse 2 included a precious crown—implying significant triumphs against the Philistines.
On a deeper spiritual level, Israel’s deliverance in each of these encounters reinforces the truth that God stands with those who rely on Him. Although these conflicts were localized to a specific time and place, believers today can still glean inspiration from Elhanan’s victory in trusting that God can deliver us from our own “giants.” David’s experiences prefigure the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ, who overcame every obstacle, providing victory and life for all who place their faith in Him (Colossians 2:13-15).
Elhanan’s act of killing Lahmi underscores Israel’s continued triumph over the lingering threats of the Philistines and further solidifies David’s righteous kingship, confirming that God’s people can conquer even the greatest adversities when they stand firm under His guidance.