The Effect of Abner’s Death
4:1
Chapter 3 related the story of Joab murdering Abner. David denied any connection to the murder and honored Abner with a burial at Hebron and a period of mourning. These actions pleased the people of Israel.
But, the death of Abner caused the people of Israel to be dismayed (“alarmed” in the New International Version). They knew Abner was the powerful leader of Israel even though he was not king. Without him, they did not have a real leader.
Abner had also been working for reconciliation between Judah and Israel. Now that he was gone, would reconciliation fail? Would David try to take over by force?
Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, was also dismayed. His courage failed and he became afraid. He knew he was not strong enough to lead Israel without Abner.
It does not affect our story, but the name of Saul’s son is interesting. He is always referred to by this name in 2 Samuel. “Ish-bosheth” means “Son of Shame”. However, in 1 Chronicles 8:30 and 9:39, he is called “Eshbaal”, which means “Baal exists”.
Introducing Baanah and Rechab
4:2-3
There were two men in the army of Ish-bosheth who were captains over raiding bands. As David’s army raided the Amalekites and other non-Israelites, the army of Ish-bosheth seems to have done the same. The lineage of the men is given including the fact that they were actually from Beeroth.
Beeroth was actually a town of the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites were the ones who tricked Joshua into making a treaty with them instead of destroying them. You can read about this in Joshua 9. But somewhere along the way these people were absorbed into the tribe of Benjamin. The writer mentions this so that we will know what happens is not the action of David’s people, but of the tribe or house of Saul.
Mephibosheth
4:4
As we often see in these stories, the writer interrupts the story to introduce the son of Jonathan named Mephibosheth. He was five only five years old when his father was killed. His nurse took him and fled. He fell and became lame.
Mephibosheth would have been in line to be king if Ish-bosheth died without a male heir, but would not be considered because him was lame and powerless. So, the writer of the book portrays the house of Saul as weak. Both of his surviving heirs are weak.
The Murder of Ish-bosheth
4:5-8a
Here the writer returns to the story of Rechab and Banal. They sneaked into the house of Ish-bosheth in the heat of the day when everyone was resting. They found Ish-bosheth lying in bed and killed him there. They also beheaded him.
Now there is no one left of the house of Saul to be king. His son was dead and his grandson was crippled.
Rechab and Baanah Seek David’s Favor
4:5b-12
Rechab and Baanah took the head of Ish-bosheth and traveled all night to get to Hebron and present their trophy to David to gain his favor. They said here is the head of the son of your enemy, the one who sought your life. You are now avenged on Saul and his offspring. This is similar to what the Amalekite slave previously did with Saul’s crown and sword. Evidently the two men did not know that story.
But David told them the story and how he had the Amalekite killed for striking the Lord’s anointed. David said, if I did that for Saul, how much more will I do it to the who killed a righteous man, meaning Ish-bosheth, who was killed in his own house and on his own bed.
David had the young men kill Rachab and Banal. They cut off their hands and feet and them hanged them. This was to show they were guilty of a crime punishable by death and cursed for their actions. (Deuteronomy 21:22-23) It also made clear that David did not commission or approve of them.
In contrast, David honored the House of Saul as he buried the head of Ish-bosheth in the tomb of Abner at Hebron. This would again show he was not responsible for the murder and that he paid honor to the family that had ruled Israel. His kingship would not, therefore, be tainted by the murder.
The House of Saul having been destroyed, the stage is now set for David to become king of all Israel.
David Made King Of Israel
5:1-5; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3
The tribes of Israel, other than Judah, sent representatives to David to indicate their desire to have David as their king. They gave three reasons.
First, they are all Hebrews. They had common ancestors. They are descended from the patriarchs Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. David is their kinsman even though descended from a different tribe (Judah). Although the tribes have been split, they now seek unity.
Second, even while Saul was king, it was David who led them to their greatest victories. Since kings were expected to lead their people into battle, David had shown he was qualified and experienced.
Third, and most important, they acknowledged that the LORD had declared that David would be king, both shepherd and prince over Israel. David’s response is not recorded, but it is clear he agreed to be their king.
The elders of the tribes then came to David and entered into a covenant with him before the Lord. The New International Version says “compact”, but the Hebrew word “beriyt” is most commonly translated as covenant. David agreed to serve and lead as king and the tribes agreed to follow him.
David reigned for a total of 40 years, beginning when he was 30 years old.
Takeaways
God accomplished his will and his promise that David would become king.
Sometimes sinful, even evil, people are part of accomplishing God’s will.
But God does not tempt people to sin. (James 1:13-15)
(All Biblical quotes are from the English Standard Version unless otherwise noted.)
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