1 Chronicles 20:5

Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.

Study Bible

And there was another battle
This phrase indicates the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for "battle" is "מִלְחָמָה" (milchamah), which signifies not just physical combat but also spiritual warfare. This reminds us of the constant spiritual battles believers face, echoing Ephesians 6:12, where Paul speaks of wrestling not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.

with the Philistines
The Philistines were a significant adversarial nation to Israel, often representing opposition to God's people. Archaeological findings, such as those in Ashkelon, provide insight into their advanced culture and military prowess. Spiritually, the Philistines can symbolize the worldly challenges and temptations that believers must overcome through faith and reliance on God.

and Elhanan son of Jair
Elhanan, meaning "God is gracious," is a lesser-known warrior in David's army. His lineage, "son of Jair," connects him to the tribe of Judah, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises through Judah's line. This highlights how God uses individuals, regardless of their fame, to accomplish His purposes, encouraging believers to remain faithful in their unique callings.

killed Lahmi
The act of killing Lahmi signifies a victory over formidable foes. The name "Lahmi" is derived from the Hebrew root "לחם" (lechem), meaning "bread" or "warrior," suggesting a strong adversary. This victory is a testament to God's empowerment of His people to overcome even the most daunting challenges, reflecting the assurance found in Philippians 4:13.

the brother of Goliath the Gittite
Goliath, the giant defeated by David, is a symbol of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The mention of his brother, Lahmi, reinforces the idea that challenges persist, but God's deliverance is consistent. The term "Gittite" refers to Gath, a Philistine city, reminding us of the historical enmity between Israel and the Philistines and God's faithfulness in delivering His people.

the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam
This description emphasizes the formidable nature of Lahmi's weaponry, similar to Goliath's, underscoring the might of the enemy. The "weaver’s beam" suggests a large and heavy spear, symbolizing the overwhelming nature of the challenges believers face. Yet, it also serves as a reminder that no weapon formed against God's people shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), as God equips His followers with spiritual armor to stand firm.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elhanan
A warrior from Israel, son of Jair, who is credited with killing Lahmi, the brother of Goliath. His name means "God is gracious" in Hebrew.

2. Jair
The father of Elhanan. Not much is detailed about him in this passage, but his lineage is significant in the context of Israel's warriors.

3. Lahmi
The brother of Goliath, described as a formidable Philistine warrior. His death at the hands of Elhanan is a notable event in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines.

4. Goliath the Gittite
Although not directly involved in this event, Goliath is a well-known Philistine giant previously defeated by David. His mention here highlights the continued threat of the Philistines.

5. Philistines
A recurring adversary of Israel, representing the ongoing spiritual and physical battles faced by God's people.

Teaching Points

God's Empowerment in Battle
Just as God empowered Elhanan to defeat Lahmi, He empowers believers today to overcome spiritual battles. Trust in God's strength rather than our own.

The Importance of Faithful Warriors
Elhanan's role as a warrior for Israel underscores the importance of being prepared and willing to stand for God's purposes. Christians are called to be spiritual warriors, equipped with the armor of God.

Continuing the Fight Against Evil
The repeated conflicts with the Philistines remind us that the battle against sin and evil is ongoing. Persistence and reliance on God are crucial.

Legacy and Influence
The mention of Goliath's family highlights the lasting impact of past victories and defeats. Our actions today can influence future generations.

Community and Support
Elhanan's victory was part of a larger community effort against the Philistines. Believers are encouraged to support one another in spiritual battles.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Elhanan's victory over Lahmi encourage us in facing our own "giants" or challenges today?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves to be spiritual warriors like Elhanan, ready to stand against the "Philistines" in our lives?

3. How does the account of Elhanan and Lahmi connect with the broader account of God's deliverance in the Bible?

4. What can we learn from the repeated conflicts with the Philistines about the nature of spiritual warfare in our lives?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, support each other in overcoming the challenges and battles we face?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 17
The account of David and Goliath provides context for the ongoing conflict with the Philistines and highlights the theme of God empowering His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable foes.

2 Samuel 21:19
This passage also mentions Elhanan's victory over a giant, providing a parallel account that emphasizes the continued struggle and victories over the Philistines.

Ephesians 6:12
This New Testament passage speaks to the spiritual battles Christians face, drawing a parallel to the physical battles of the Old Testament.