2 Samuel 4
2 Samuel 4 is a chapter that shows human weakness and sorrow, and how God’s will is carried out in the process of the death of Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, and the passing of the baton to him. This chapter highlights the final collapse of Saul’s dynasty and the transition to the Davidic line.
1verseWhen Saul’s son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands became feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
2verseSaul’s son had two men who were captains of raiding bands. The name of one was Baanah and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin (for Beeroth also is considered a part of Benjamin;
3verseand the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and have lived as foreigners there until today).
4verseNow Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news came about Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel; and his nurse picked him up and fled. As she hurried to flee, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.
5verseThe sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went out and came at about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth as he took his rest at noon.
6verseThey came there into the middle of the house as though they would have fetched wheat, and they struck him in the body; and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.
7verseNow when they came into the house as he lay on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him, killed him, beheaded him, and took his head, and went by the way of the Arabah all night.
8verseThey brought the head of Ishbosheth to David to Hebron, and said to the king, “Behold, the head of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life! The LORD has avenged my lord the king today of Saul and of his offspring.”
9verseDavid answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all adversity,
10versewhen someone told me, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ thinking that he brought good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news.
11verseHow much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house on his bed, should I not now require his blood from your hand, and rid the earth of you?”
12verseDavid commanded his young men, and they killed them, cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up beside the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth and buried it in Abner’s grave in Hebron.
Flow of the Main Contents
- The weakening of the family of Benjamin: When Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, is murdered by the brothers Rechab and Baanah, the remaining power of Saul’s household collapses decisively.
- The motive of evil in the presence of David: Rechab and Baanah, men from Ammon, bring Ish-bosheth’s head to David to be recognized for the deed of killing him. However, just as at the death of Saul, David judges that it is not right to harm the Lord’s anointed according to his own will.
- God’s providence: Even when people try to accomplish their goals through imperfect, self-centered methods, it becomes clear that God’s righteous hand leads history.
The Structure and Meaning of the Text
- Opening (verses 1–4): The disappearance of Saul’s family power (the background for the appearance of Ish-bosheth and Mephibosheth), and a depiction of fear in Israel.
- Development (verses 5–8): Rechab and Baanah approach Ish-bosheth, express the motives for the murder, and the crime.
- Conclusion (verses 9–12): David’s response. He refuses to take the throne by a method he did not want, and he punishes the two men.
Within this structure, the attitude David displays and the theocentric view of history emerge as major themes.
Points to Ponder
- Reflect on the trials and mistakes that can occur when God’s plan is pushed forward by human methods or calculations.
- Remember the importance of righteous motives and actions, and keep in mind that good results cannot stand on evil methods.
- Consider that the trust and humility required to wait for God’s working are absolutely necessary in our lives.
Applying to Me
- In difficult circumstances, you need an attitude of checking whether the process is complete, even if you try to force through my way in a hurry or even if you think the reasons are justified.
- When making decisions in my life, apply the faith of seeking God’s will and justice, and being able to wait with patience and trust instead of rushing.
