II Samuel 4
by Mark R. Hudson

Things are going from bad to worse for Saul’s house. Now we come to the death of Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son. We are introduced to two bullies: Baanah and Rechab. Their introduction is not one demonstrating their positive character traits or accomplishments. Rather, they are included with Ish-bosheth and in v. 4 Mephibosheth. We find Saul’s house consisting of a son who was a pawn in Abner’s hands, two ruffians who are cold-blooded murderers, and a young man not able physically to rule.

We find Ish-bosheth’s courage failed when he heard that Abner died in v. 1. Then the introduction of two “worthless fellows. We see these two “helping” God bring David to the throne. Look at how this is narrated. In verse 6, the fact is stated. Then in verse 7, the narrator repeats the content of verse 6 by almost saying, “I mean, can you believe what they did? They didn’t just did kill him, in his house, in the middle of day and left. They killed him in his own bed! Then, horror of horrors, they beheaded him. Then they traveled with the head. I know it sounds gruesome, but that is exactly what they did.”

They travel all night and come to King David with, I am guessing, something like a burlap bag. They must have pulled the head out of the bag for identification and (as D.R. Davis says) with blood and their hands and theology on their lips (“The Lord has avenged my lord the king this day on Saul and on his offspring”) they expect a reward from David.

Don’t miss this. They did not do this deed out of a desire for God’s glory. Exactly why they murdered Ish-bosheth we do not know. But it does seem they wanted to capitalize their deed. That is why they went directly to King David. Yet, after they have time to think about the murder, they theologize about it. The danger with you and I is that we know enough theology to make adultery sound good. We know all the tricks. And so does God and He hates it. May God keep you and I from ever doing that.

David responds by saying, `I don’t want or need your help. God is the only help I need, and He has kept me alive these last few years. Do you really think I am going to reward you for killing an innocent man in his own house on his bed? I put the Amalekite to death for fabricating a story. But you murdered this man! Do you think I won’t do the same to you for killing a sleeping man in his own house in his bed? How could you ever think I would reward your wicked deed? I abhor what you did. That act is a pernicious evil that corrupts our nation.

David has both killed and held up for contempt. But then David treated the head of Ish-bosheth with respect. David is distancing himself from every act of murder and shows to the entire country that He trusts in God and will not take matters into his own hands. He is making every effort to let everyone know, those of the house of Saul and his own people in Judah, that he will not take matters into his own hands.

David is a godly man. David is also a politician. He makes sure his actions are public. He needs everyone to know that he is not in any way supporting these murders. These are murders, plain and simple. David is eyeing a unified nation not his enemies. He is looking ahead when all of Israel is one and He is their king. We see how he responds to Saul’s death. How he grieves the loss of Jonathan. Then he is also in public mourning for Abner and now David must also show his horror at this latest murder. His grief is public and made for public consumption.

David, I presume, is still feeling guilt over snipping a piece of cloth off King Saul’s robe which we read in I Sam 24:4-6. He would protect himself but never actively lay a hand on the King. David had a strong sense that when we call the King, “God’s anointed.” That was not just a phrase to David of no consequence. David really believed that God worked through all the human actors and that Saul was God’s anointed for a time. And David would be for a time. David did not realize at this point what God would promise in II Samuel 7. But David knew enough to always respect God and what He establishes.

David is a good reminder for us when we are tempted to take things into our own hands or benefit from those who do. Someone is always willing to cut corners. Someone can always do it faster. And many times, no one does see. But God always does and sometimes, just sometimes, it all comes to light. When you are tempted to sin, think about doing whatever it is in the sanctuary or in the light of day with your family. Ask God to give you the wisdom to choose joy over the bondage of sin.

Lord, I am tempted to commit so many different sins. Forgive me when I get impatient and want the shortcut. If I see an obstacle, I conclude that can’t be from You. If I experience affliction, I want to be released from the trouble as soon as possible. Help me to follow the Man of Sorrows. Remind me to deny myself, pick up my cross, and follow You. I need to recognize those in authority over me are there for a reason. Respect for those in authority is my duty and obligation, even when I don’t agree with them or with them being in that position. You are my ultimate authority and I bow the knee to You and those whom You have appointed. In Christ’s Name who appoints and calls. Amen.