2 Samuel 4 explained: The Murder of Saul's Son

Saul's family losing ground (vv. 1-3)

Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son who ruled the northern tribes, had depended on his general Abner, so Abner's death left him frightened and his supporters unsure what to do. The two raiding captains came from Saul's own tribe, though scholars are unsure why the writer adds the side note about their town of Beeroth.

Jonathan's injured son (v. 4)

This aside explains that Saul's grandson Mephibosheth became disabled when he fell as his nurse fled at news of the battle where Saul and Jonathan died. It shows no grown heir was left to lead Saul's family, and it prepares for his return later in the story.

Killed in his own house (vv. 5-7)

The captains came at midday while the king was resting on his bed, entering as if to collect wheat, likely grain rations for their soldiers. They stabbed him, cut off his head and traveled all night through the Jordan valley to David at Hebron.

Bringing David a trophy (v. 8)

They expected a reward for removing the last obstacle between David and the whole kingdom. They even claimed the LORD had used them to settle David's score with Saul's family.

David's verdict (vv. 9-12)

David recalled executing the man who brought news of Saul's death, and said killing an innocent man on his own bed in his own home was even worse. The killers were put to death and their bodies mutilated and hung up publicly as a harsh sign of his judgment, while Ish-Bosheth's head was buried in Abner's tomb.

Key verse: 2 Samuel 4:11

Where Christians differ

Readers differ on how much David's response reflects genuine outrage at injustice and how much it also served him politically by publicly distancing him from a killing that cleared his path to the throne.

Something to think about

When someone does something wrong that happens to benefit you, what do you think you owe them, or the person who was harmed?