David Punishes Ishbosheth's Murderers

By Mary Vee

II Samuel 4

From David's Journal

I can't believe this has happened again. 


If God had not shown us His mercy in terrible times like today, we, the Israelites, would not survive.

Two men from Ishbosheth's army arrived at my camp. They seemed rather pleased and excited to share their news. I agreed to meet with them.

My guards let them into my tent. As they stepped in I saw the head of Isbosheth in their hands. "My lord, here is the head of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy and the one who wanted to take your life. The Lord has avenged you from Saul and his descendants today."

Why did they think I would want the king dead? And why did they take it upon themselves to kill the king? This would not please God or the people of Israel, or me. They needed to be punished and quick before the country erupted in a riot.

"As the Lord lives, He is the one who has redeemed my life from all adversity. Didn't you hear what happened to the Amalekite who proudly told me his news, "Look, Saul is dead."? He thought I would be happy. But I wasn't. I had him arrested and executed in Ziklag. This same man thought I would reward him for his news.

"You have been more wicked by going into a righteous person's own house and killing him in his bed. He had no protection. No way to fight back. You deserve what you have done. I shall remove you from the earth."

I called my young men to come at once. "Take these two men, Rechab and Baanah, and execute them. Cut off their hands and feet, and hang them by the pool in Hebron. Let all the people see and remember to honor those whom God has placed in authority."

After Rechab and Baanah had been taken away I led a funeral procession to bury Ishbosheth's head in the tomb of Abner in Hebron.

Oh that this needless killing would end.

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1. Why did Rechab and Baanah go to David's camp?

2. What did they hope to get?

3. Did David approve of what they did? Why or why not?

4. What did David do to Rechab and Baanah?

5. What did David for Ishbosheth?

6. Rechab and Baanah felt they were helping to put David on the throne? Why was this wrong?