A city in Judah; home of Ahithophel, David's counselor.
Giloh
Named in 3 verses across 2 books, first in Joshua 15:51.
גִּלֹהGiloh
גִּילֹנִיGilonite
Also called Gilonite.
The name means “he that rejoices; he that overturns.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Giloh Written by AI
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.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
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.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
31.617, 35.083 See it on a map
Where the Bible names it
- Joshua 15:51
Goshen, Holon, and Giloh—eleven cities, along with their villages.
- 2 Samuel 15:12
While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.
- 2 Samuel 23:34
Eliphelet son of Ahasbai the Maacathite, Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.