Definition: And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew [the brother of] Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear [was] like a weaver’s beam.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Samuel 21:19. It’s a really interesting and somewhat surprising story! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Battle Happens: There was a conflict between the Philistines and the Israelites. Elhanan is Called: A man named Elhanan, who came from Bethlehem (a region near Jerusalem), was sent to lead the defense. He Faces a Giant: Goliath, a giant from the tribe of Judah, was challenging the Israelites. Goliath had a spear that was incredibly strong and sharp – like a long, woven beam! Elhanan Defeats Goliath: Elhanan fought against Goliath, using his skill and courage to defeat him. Now, let's unpack what’s happening in this specific verse: “Where there was again a battle…” : This sets the scene – it’s a conflict that’s been ongoing. “…in Gob…” : Gob is a place near Jerusalem where the Philistines lived. “…with the Philistines” : It's a fight between the Israelites and their enemies. “Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim…” : This is Elhanan’s name – he was a leader. "Son of Jaareoregim" is a bit complicated, but it refers to his family lineage. “…a Bethlehemite” : He came from Bethlehem. "...slayed [the brother of] Goliath..." : This is the key part . Elhanan didn’t just fight Goliath; he killed him! The word "slay" means to kill someone. "...the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam." : This is where it gets really interesting and symbolic. Goliath had a spear that looked like a long, woven beam – a very strong and impressive weapon. It's being compared to something beautiful and skilled . So, what does this verse mean? It’s a story of courage, skill, and victory. Elhanan wasn't just fighting a giant; he was demonstrating his strength and bravery against overwhelming odds. The fact that he defeated Goliath – a huge threat to the Israelites – is significant because it shows that God can work through even the most formidable enemies. It’s also a reminder that sometimes, seemingly small people (like a leader from Bethlehem) can achieve great things. In essence, this verse tells us that God's favor and strength are powerful enough to overcome even the greatest challenges. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this story to other Bible stories? Discuss the symbolism behind the "weaver’s beam" imagery?