Explanation of 2 Samuel Chapter 4
Context and Overview
2 Samuel 4 is a continuation of the historical narrative following the death of Saul, the first king of Israel, and the subsequent struggle for power between his house and David. After Saul and his son Jonathan died in battle, Ish-bosheth (Saul’s remaining son) was made king over Israel by Abner, Saul’s former military commander. However, David, who had already been anointed by the prophet Samuel, was gaining strength as king over Judah. Abner had recently defected to David’s side but was murdered by Joab in Chapter 3. This chapter records the assassination of Ish-bosheth and its implications for David’s kingship.
Verse-by-Verse Explanation
Verses 1-3: The Fear of Ish-bosheth and the Flight of Saul’s Descendants
1 When Saul’s son heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel became alarmed.
Ish-bosheth was already a weak and ineffective ruler, relying heavily on Abner for his leadership and military support. With Abner’s death at the hands of Joab (David’s commander), he became paralyzed with fear, knowing that his position was now highly vulnerable.
The phrase "all Israel became alarmed" suggests that the people were aware of the power shift towards David and feared potential retaliation or political instability.
2 Now Saul’s son had two men who were captains of raiding bands; the name of one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin (for Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin).
Rechab and Baanah were captains of Ish-bosheth’s forces, which meant they had military influence.
They were Benjamites, belonging to the same tribe as Saul, which should have made them loyal to Ish-bosheth. However, as we will see, their ambition led them to betray their king.
3 (And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and have been sojourners there until this day.)
This verse provides historical context, explaining that the Beerothites had fled to Gittaim, possibly due to conflicts or instability in the region.
Verses 4: The Mention of Mephibosheth
4 (Now Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened, as she made haste to flee, that he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.)
This verse seems somewhat out of place in the narrative, but it serves an important purpose.
Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, is introduced as the last remaining legitimate heir of Saul’s dynasty.
His physical disability (being lame in his feet) symbolizes his powerlessness and inability to reclaim the throne.
Later in 2 Samuel 9, David will show kindness to Mephibosheth, honoring his covenant with Jonathan.
Verses 5-7: The Murder of Ish-bosheth
5 Then the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, set out and came at about the heat of the day to the house of Ish-bosheth, who was lying on his bed at noon.
Rechab and Baanah plotted treachery against their own king. The "heat of the day" was typically a time of rest, and Ish-bosheth was taking an afternoon nap, unaware of the danger.
6 And they came there, all the way into the house, as though to get wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and Baanah, his brother, escaped.
They used the pretense of collecting wheat (possibly as soldiers receiving rations) to gain access to Ish-bosheth’s chamber.
The assassination mirrors the previous murder of Abner, who was also stabbed in deception.
Once the murder was done, they fled, believing they had secured their own future by siding with David.
7 For when they came into the house, he was lying on his bed in his bedroom; then they struck him and killed him, beheaded him and took his head, and were all night escaping through the plain.
Their brutality is emphasized by the act of beheading, which they likely intended as proof of Ish-bosheth’s death.
Traveling at night suggests urgency and fear of being caught.
Verses 8-12: David’s Reaction to Ish-bosheth’s Murder
8 And they brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron, and said to the king, “Here is the head of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life; and the LORD has avenged my lord the king this day of Saul and his descendants.”
Rechab and Baanah assumed that David would reward them for eliminating his rival. They misinterpreted David’s character, thinking he would approve of treachery and murder.
They justified their action by claiming it was divine vengeance, aligning themselves with God’s will.
9-10 But David answered Rechab and Baanah, his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all adversity, when someone told me, saying, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ thinking to have brought good news, I arrested him and had him executed in Ziklag—the one who thought I would give him a reward for his news.”
David reminded them of the Amalekite in 2 Samuel 1 who claimed to have killed Saul and expected a reward, but instead was executed for his actions.
He made it clear that he did not condone assassination and treachery.
David acknowledges that it is the Lord, not human scheming, who has redeemed his life and secured his kingdom.
11 How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous person in his own house on his bed? Therefore, shall I not now require his blood at your hand and remove you from the earth?”
David viewed Ish-bosheth’s murder as particularly heinous because it was a betrayal carried out in his own home while he was defenseless.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and righteousness in his rule.
12 So David commanded his young men, and they executed them, cut off their hands and feet, and hanged them by the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in the tomb of Abner in Hebron.
David ensured that Rechab and Baanah received justice for their crime. Their hands (which carried out the murder) and feet (which brought the news) were cut off as a public warning against treachery.
By burying Ish-bosheth’s head in Abner’s tomb, David showed respect for Saul’s house and distanced himself from the unlawful killing.
Key Themes and Lessons
Divine Justice vs. Human Scheming – David demonstrated that God is the ultimate judge and that securing power through deception and violence is not the way of righteousness.
Respect for Authority – David consistently honored Saul’s house, refusing to rejoice at the downfall of his rivals.
The Contrast Between David and Other Leaders – Unlike those who sought power through murder, David upheld justice, which reinforced his legitimacy as king.
God’s Sovereignty – This chapter emphasizes that God, not human efforts, establishes leadership.
Conclusion
2 Samuel 4 highlights the tragic downfall of Saul’s house through betrayal and assassination. While Rechab and Baanah believed they were securing favor with David, they misjudged his character. Instead of rewarding them, David administered justice, further solidifying his rule as a righteous king. The chapter ultimately points to God’s role in raising up leaders and the importance of integrity in leadership.
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