Giloh

Giloh, also known as Gilo, was a city in Judah and the hometown of Ahithophel, David's counselor who later conspired with Absalom (Joshua 15:51; 2Sa.15.12; 23:34).

Giloh, also referred to as Gilo, was a city located in the hill country of Judah, mentioned in the territorial allotment of the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:51). It is most notably known as the hometown of Ahithophel, a wise counselor who served King David (2Sa.23.34). However, during Absalom's rebellion against David, Ahithophel sided with Absalom and provided him with counsel (2Sa.15.12). Ahithophel's defection was a significant blow to David, given his reputation for wisdom and insight. When Absalom rejected Ahithophel's advice in favor of Hushai's counsel, Ahithophel returned to Giloh and hanged himself, perceiving that Absalom's cause was doomed (2Sa.17.23). Apart from its association with Ahithophel, little else is known about Giloh from the biblical text. Its mention in the narrative of Absalom's rebellion highlights the political and personal turmoil that David faced during his reign.

Exile, a city in the south-west part of the hill-country of Judah (Josh. 15:51). It was the native place or residence of the traitor Ahithophel “the Gilonite” (Josh. 15:51; 2 Sam. 15:12), and where he committed suicide (17:23). It has been identified with Kurbet Jala, about 7 miles north of Hebron.