A Gigantic part of David’s story

Five Strange Biblical Names

According to 2 Samuel 21, David and his men successfully defeated five Philistine giants. The name of the first, Goliath, comes from the Hebrew word galut (גלות) meaning “exile”. The name of the second, Ishbi-Benob, means “mountain dweller”. The third, Saph (סף), means “threshold”. The fourth, Lahmi, means “warrior”. The fifth is nameless, but he comes from the city of Gath (גת), meaning “winepress”. Fascinatingly, the meanings of these five Hebrew names encapsulate David’s personal history.

The giants in David’s life

At the outset of his career, David was in “exile,” forced to flee Saul. Eventually, David took the throne and moved his capital to Jerusalem, becoming a “dweller on the mountain” known as Zion. Next, he erected the tabernacle, beyond whose “threshold” the Ark was deposited. In the latter half of his life, David was a valiant “warrior” and endured a merciless rebellion by his son Absalom during which he was “pressed” to the limits. 
 

Unlock The Deepest Mysteries of Scripture

What at first seems to be an unimportant list of five peculiar giants, turns out to be a fascinating summary of David’s life; his progression from a shepherd to the greatest king of Israel. But if you don’t understand the original Hebrew language of the Bible, this level of meaning is inaccessible. Now is the time to enroll in our live online Biblical Hebrew course and to take your study of Scripture to the next level.