Abishai Rescues David from the Giant

15 And again have the Philistines war with Israel, and David goeth down, and his servants with him, and they fight with the Philistines; and David is weary, 16 and Ishbi-Benob, who 'is' among the children of the giant—the weight of his spear 'is' three hundred 'shekels' weight of brass, and he is girded with a new one—speaketh of smiting David, 17 and Abishai son of Zeruiah giveth help to him, and smiteth the Philistine, and putteth him to death; then swear the men of David to him, saying, 'Thou dost not go out again with us to battle, nor quench the lamp of Israel.'

The Giants Slain by David's Men

18 And it cometh to pass afterwards, that the battle is again in Gob with the Philistines, then hath Sibbechai the Hushathite smitten Saph, who 'is' among the children of the giant. 19 And the battle is again in Gob with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jaare-Oregim, the Beth-Lehemite, smiteth 'a brother of' Goliath the Gittite, and the wood of his spear 'is' like a beam of weavers. 20 And the battle is again in Gath, and there is a man of stature, and the fingers of his hands 'are' six, and the toes of his feet 'are' six, twenty and four in number, and he also hath been born to the giant, 21 and he reproacheth Israel, and smite him doth Jonathan son of Shimeah, brother of David; 22 these four have been born to the giant in Gath, and they fall by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:15-22

Commentary on 2 Samuel 21:15-22

(Read 2 Samuel 21:15-22)

These events seem to have taken place towards the end of David's reign. David fainted, but he did not flee, and God sent help in the time of need. In spiritual conflicts, even strong saints sometimes wax faint; then Satan attacks them furiously; but those who stand their ground and resist him, shall be relieved and made more than conquerors. Death is a Christian's last enemy, and a son of Anak; but through Him that triumphed for us, believers shall be more than conquerors at last, even over that enemy.