2Sa 4 | MHM | STEP | Ish-bosheth Slain by His Servants This section describes the continued decline of Saul’s house and the tragic murder of Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son. Ish-bosheth’s weakness as a leader and the treachery of his own servants led to his downfall. The story also highlights the dangers of ambition and betrayal, as well as the unexpected ways in which God’s plans are fulfilled. v. 1 : Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, became very weak and discouraged after Abner’s death . Abner had been his main source of strength, and without him, Ish-bosheth lost hope. He had relied on Abner to negotiate peace with David, but now he felt abandoned and vulnerable. The Israelites who supported him were also troubled and unsure of what to do next.

‏ 2 Samuel 4

Ish-bosheth Slain by His Servants

This section describes the continued decline of Saul’s house and the tragic murder of Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son. Ish-bosheth’s weakness as a leader and the treachery of his own servants led to his downfall. The story also highlights the dangers of ambition and betrayal, as well as the unexpected ways in which God’s plans are fulfilled.

v. 1: Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, became very weak and discouraged after Abner’s death . Abner had been his main source of strength, and without him, Ish-bosheth lost hope. He had relied on Abner to negotiate peace with David, but now he felt abandoned and vulnerable. The Israelites who supported him were also troubled and unsure of what to do next.

v. 2–3: The murderers of Ish-bosheth were two brothers, Baanah and Rechab, who had been his servants (2 Samuel 4:2–3 ^a). They were Benjamites, from the same tribe as Saul, and came from the city of Beeroth. Beeroth was originally part of Benjamin’s territory (Joshua 18:25 ^b), but its people had moved to Gittaim, possibly for safety after Saul’s death. These brothers betrayed Ish-bosheth, showing how treachery can come from those closest to us.

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v. 4: Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson, was another member of Saul’s family, but he was unable to lead because he was lame . When he was five years old, his nurse fled with him after hearing about Saul and Jonathan’s deaths. She feared that the Philistines would kill him as the next heir to the throne. In her haste, she dropped him, and he became permanently disabled. This reminds us of the dangers children face and how even the children of great men are not always safe. We should thank God for protecting us through the many risks of childhood, as it says, He shall give his angels charge over thee (Psalm 91:12 ^c).

v. 5–7: Baanah and Rechab killed Ish-bosheth while he was lying on his bed at noon (2 Samuel 4:5–7 ^d). Ish-bosheth was a lazy and weak leader, resting when he should have been leading his people. The brothers entered his house under the pretense of getting wheat and took advantage of the opportunity to murder him. This shows how unexpected death can be and how even trusted servants can turn against us. Ish-bosheth’s idleness made him an easy target, reminding us of the warning, Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty.

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v. 8: After killing Ish-bosheth, the brothers brought his head to David, thinking they had done something great . They claimed that they were carrying out God’s justice by avenging David against Saul’s family. However, their real motive was selfish ambition—they wanted to gain favor and rewards from David. Like Jehu, who pretended to have zeal for the Lord while seeking his own power, these men used God’s name to justify their evil actions.

Ish-bosheth's Murderers Punished

This section tells how David responded to the murderers of Ish-bosheth. Instead of rewarding them, David punished them for their crime. David wanted to show that he did not want the throne through violence or evil acts, and that justice must be done even when someone claims to act for a good cause.

v. 9: David spoke firmly to the murderers, saying, As the Lord liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity . David wanted everyone to know that he trusted God to give him the kingdom, not violent men. He would not accept evil acts as a way to reach God’s promises.

v. 10: David reminded them that he had punished the man who brought him the news of Saul’s death, even though that man thought he was bringing good news . David did not reward people for violence, even if they claimed it would help him become king.

v. 11: David explained how terrible their crime was. Ish-bosheth was a righteous person who had not wronged them. He was killed in his own house, on his own bed, in a cruel and cowardly way . David believed that even if Ish-bosheth had opposed him, it was not out of hatred but because he thought he was the rightful king. David taught that we should try to see the good even in our enemies. He called this murder treacherous and shameful, quoting the law, Cursed is he that smiteth his neighbour secretly.

v. 12: David ordered that the two murderers be put to death according to the law (2 Samuel 4:12 ^e). Their hands and feet were hung up as a warning to others, but not their whole bodies. This showed the people that David was just and did not seek revenge or power in the wrong way. The murderers were disappointed and shamed. This story warns us that it is wrong to do evil things, even if we pretend it is for God or for a good cause. Jesus taught that true religion is not about hurting others, and those who try to do evil in God’s name will not escape punishment.