“Olam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite.”
Context:This verse is found in the context of a description of David’s mighty men, also known as David’s “mighty warriors” or “mighty ones.” These were the elite soldiers who served under David’s leadership and performed remarkable feats in battle.
Olam:Olam was the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite. Ahithophel was a counselor and trusted advisor to David, but he later turned against him during Absalom’s rebellion. It is interesting to note that Ahithophel’s name is not mentioned directly in this verse, but rather his son’s name is given. This could indicate that Olam was a prominent figure among David’s mighty men, perhaps continuing his father’s legacy. However, the Bible doesn’t provide further details about Olam or his specific achievements.
Lahmi:Lahmi is referred to as the brother of Goliath the Gittite. Goliath is one of the most well‑known figures in the Bible, remembered for his enormous size and his defeat at the hands of the young David. The story of David and Goliath is found in 1 Samuel 17. Lahmi is mentioned here in 2 Samuel 23:23 to establish his connection to Goliath, but beyond this mention, no additional information is given about him in the biblical text.
While these individuals are briefly mentioned in this verse, it’s important to consider the larger context of 2 Samuel 23, which describes the exploits and achievements of David’s mighty warriors. This chapter honors the bravery and loyalty of these men who served David and were instrumental in establishing his kingdom. The focus is on their exceptional valor and the victories they achieved on behalf of David and Israel.
