Giah
“Breaking forth (of a spring)”
Summary
A place mentioned only once in Scripture as a landmark on the route of Joab's pursuit of Abner after the battle at Gibeon.
☩Biblical Reference
Giah is mentioned in connection with the pursuit of Abner by Joab and Abishai after the sharp conflict at the pool of Gibeon, where Asahel had been slain. The sun was setting when Joab and Abishai reached the hill Ammah 'before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.' The pursuit ended there as the Benjamites rallied around Abner on the hilltop.
☩Identification
The exact location of Giah remains uncertain and unidentified. The name may mean 'a breaking forth,' possibly referring to a spring or fountain that marked the spot. The Septuagint renders it as 'valley' (Gai), corresponding to the Hebrew ge, suggesting the text may be corrupt. It was likely in the vicinity of Gibeon, east toward the wilderness.
Related Verses1 mention
2 Samuel· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Giah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Giah," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Giah," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.James Orr (ed.), "Giah," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).