2 Samuel 4:1-12
Q.1. What impact did the murder of Abner have on Ish-bosheth? Why was the accident to Jonathan’s son recorded? – (2 Sam.4:1-4)
Ish-bosheth, and those in Israel who had stayed loyal to him, lost courage when they heard about the murder of Abner (2 Sam.4:1). Not only had Abner and many of Ishbosheth’s key leaders defected to David, but two of his other commanders then fled to Gittaim in Judah (2 Sam.4:2-3). Mention is made of the only other heir to Saul’s throne, a descendant of Jonathan, name Mephibosheth. He had been crippled ever since his nurse dropped him, in her hurry to flee, when she heard of the death of Saul and Jonathan (2 Sam.4:4 c.f. 1 Sam.29:1; 31:2-6). Mephibosheth would not have been considered a suitable candidate to rule over Israel (c.f. 1 Sam.8:19-20).
Q.2. How was Ish-bosheth assassinated? What did the commanders hope to gain? How did David reward them? Why? – (2 Sam.4:5-12)
A visit by the commanders to collect their quota of wheat would have raised no suspicions. However, Baanah and Rechab used this opportunity to gain access to Ish-bosheth. They assassinated him and took his head with them as evidence of what they had done. They expected David to reward them for removing his rival (2 Sam.4:5-8). However, David reminded them of how he had put to death the messenger who gave him the news of Saul’s death (2 Sam.4:10 c.f. 2 Sam.1:14-16). He continued – How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man … shall I not now require his blood from your hand and destroy you from the earth? (2 Sam.4:11). He ordered them to be publicly executed – But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in the grave of Abner in Hebron (2 Sam.4:12). On the surface, it may seem strange that David would not rejoice at the removal of Ish-bosheth. However, at all times, David depended on God to protect him, and he wanted to establish the principle that he would reign justly, and in obedience to God and His standards. Murder could not be justified, and the men forfeited their lives for the calculated murder of Ish-bosheth. David trusted God for his own advancement. He acknowledged – As the Lord lives, Who has redeemed my life from all distress (2 Sam.4:9).