Elhanan

(the grace of God).

• A distinguished warrior in the time of King David, who performed a memorable exploit against the Philistines. (2 Samuel 21:19; 1 Chronicles 20:5) (B.C. about 1020.)

• One of “the thirty” of David’s guard, and named first on the list. (2 Samuel 23:24; 1 Chronicles 11:26)

Whom God has graciously bestowed. (1.) 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.

(2.) The son of Dodo, and one of David’s warriors (2 Sam. 23:24).