Ishboseth is Murdered

II Samuel 4:1–12
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When Ishboseth heard that Abner was dead in Hebron he fell into complete despair. Instead of causing him to reassert his own authority over Israel it only increased his instability and brought a sense of panic to the nation (v. 1). Two Benjamite brothers, who were commanders in Ishbosheth’s army, decided to take advantage of the situation (vv. 2-3). They decided to assassinate the king so as to gain some recognition from David. The author then notes parenthetically that no other viable candidate for the throne could be found within the royal family (v. 4). The son of Jonathan was now only twelve. He had been crippled from childhood. He was unwilling or unable to press any claims to the throne. Although David knew that Ishboseth was a weak leader he had no intention of killing him. He understood that God was working behind the scenes to accomplish His own will with His people and He was quite willing to wait. God had promised the kingdom to David and he know that God would fulfill His promise.

Two of Ishbosheth’s captains saw that David was the true king in Israel and that unless they changed sides very soon they would be on the losing side. Therefore they conspired to kill their king and join David. They went to Ishbosheth’s house and slew him in his bed (vv. 5-6). They proceeded to behead him (v. 7) and carried his head to David at Hebron (v. 8), no doubt thinking he would be pleased.

David’s response to this deed was identical to his reaction when Amalikite told him about Saul’s death (vv. 9-10). He was angry and ordered the two men to be executed, their hands and feet to be cut off, and their bodies to be hanged publicly at the pool of Hebron (vv. 11-12).  He regarded their act as an unjustified assault on a defenseless man.

Application

David was tempted to profit from someone elses cruel deed but refused. When I am so tempted, how do I react?