2 Samuel 21:15 - Meaning and Application

Here we have the story of some conflicts with the Philistines, which seem to have taken place toward the end of David’s reign. Even though David had beaten them down so much that they could no longer bring large armies into the field, they still would not stay quiet. As long as they had giants to serve as their champions, they kept looking for chances to trouble Israel, challenge them, or raid them.

David himself took part in a battle with one of these giants. The Philistines started fighting again (2 Samuel 21:15). The enemies of God’s people are never at rest in their attacks. David, though old, did not want to be excused from public duty. He went in person to fight the Philistines, showing that he was growing older, but not lazy. That was a sign that he was not fighting for his own glory, because by then he had already been honored enough and needed no more.

In this fight, David was brought into danger and distress. He thought he could handle the same work of war that he had done before. His will was still strong, and he hoped he could do as he had done at other times. But he found that age had weakened him. After a little effort, he grew faint. His body could no longer keep up with his mind. The Philistine champion quickly saw David’s weakness. He was strong and well armed, and he meant to kill David. Yet God was not in his thoughts, and so he was brought down that very day. The enemies of God’s people are often very strong, very clever, and very confident, like Ishbi-benob. But there is no strength, no wisdom, and no confidence against the Lord.

David was wonderfully rescued by Abishai, who came just in time to help him (2 Samuel 21:17). We should honor Abishai’s courage and loyalty to his king, because he bravely risked his own life to save David. But we should honor God’s good care even more, since God brought Abishai at the very moment David needed help most. Such a cause, and such a champion, even when pressed hard, will not be left alone. When Abishai came to David’s aid, and perhaps gave him something to strengthen him, or stood beside him as his second, David, as I understand it, struck the Philistine and killed him. For later it is said that David himself had a part in killing the giants (2 Samuel 21:22). David fainted, but he did not run away. Though his strength failed, he kept his ground bravely. Then God sent him help in his need, and though that help came through someone younger and lower in rank, David accepted it gladly. With a little recovery, he won the victory and came away as a conqueror.

Even Christ, in his agony, was strengthened by an angel. In spiritual battles, even strong believers sometimes grow faint. Then Satan attacks them fiercely. But those who stand their ground and resist him will be helped and made more than conquerors. David’s servants then decided that he must never put himself in such danger again. They had once easily persuaded him not to fight against Absalom (2 Samuel 18:3), but he was determined to go against the Philistines. After this narrow escape, it was agreed in council, and confirmed with an oath, that the light of Israel, its guide and glory, should never again be placed in such danger of being snuffed out. The lives of people who are as valuable to their country as David was should be guarded with great care, both by themselves and by others.

The rest of the giants fell by the hand of David’s servants. Saph was killed by Sibbechai, one of David’s mighty men (2 Samuel 21:18; 1 Chronicles 11:29). Another, who was Goliath’s brother, was killed by Elhanan, who is mentioned in 2 Samuel 23:24. Another giant, who was unusually large and had more fingers and toes than other people (2 Samuel 21:20), was so proud that, even after seeing other giants fall, he still defied Israel. He was killed by Jonathan son of Shimea. Shimea had a son named Jonadab (2 Samuel 13:3), whom I would have thought was the same man, except that the former was known for cleverness and this Jonathan for bravery.

These giants were probably the last survivors of the sons of Anak, who had long been feared but were finally brought low. Notice three things here. It is foolish for a strong man to brag about his strength. David’s servants were no bigger or stronger than other men, yet by God’s help they overcame giant after giant. God often uses weak things to put mighty things to shame. It is also common for those who have frightened the living to be brought down slain to the grave (Ezekiel 32:27). And the strongest enemies are often saved for the final struggle. David began his honor by conquering one giant, and here he ends it by conquering four.

Death is the Christian’s last enemy, and it is like a son of Anak, a giant. But through Christ, who won the victory for us, we hope to be more than conquerors in the end, even over that enemy.