Elhanan

Elhanan, a warrior from Bethlehem, killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath the Gittite.

Elhanan is mentioned in 2Sa 21:19 and 1Ch 20:5 as a warrior from Bethlehem who fought against the Philistines. In 2 Samuel, he is described as the son of Jaare-oregim, while in 1 Chronicles, he is called the son of Jair. Elhanan is noted for killing Lahmi, the brother of Goliath the Gittite. This event is similar to David's famous battle with Goliath, but Elhanan's victory highlights the ongoing conflicts between Israel and the Philistines. The passages suggest that Elhanan was a skilled warrior who played a significant role in Israel's military successes.

A warrior of the time of David famed for his exploits. In the Authorized Version (2 Sam. 21:19) it is recorded that “Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath.” The Revised Version here rightly omits the words “the brother of.” They were introduced in the Authorized Version to bring this passage into agreement with 1 Chr. 20:5, where it is said that he “slew Lahmi the brother of Goliath.” Goliath the Gittite was killed by David (1 Sam. 17). The exploit of Elhanan took place late in David’s reign.