042824 2 Sam 4-5_5 Sermon 23.pdf
2 Samuel 4:1-5:5
In the last sermon we saw war between David's Judah and Ishbosheth's Israel, and saw Saul's house growing weak. We meet David's six sons, Amnon, Chileab, Absalom, Adonijah, Shephatiah, and Ithream, from different wives. Their stories hint at future sorrow, intrigue, and political struggles. 2 Samuel 4 will bring more tales of power, loyalty, and conflict.
Upon Abner's death, king Ishbosheth felt powerless and fearful, causing nationwide distress. His reign was dependent on Abner, and his absence destabilized the kingdom.
Baanah and Rechab, Benjamites like Saul, emerged as influential figures post Abner's death. Their decisions greatly impacted the kingdom.
In verse 5, Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, is introduced. Following a tragic accident during his father's and grandfather's death, he was left crippled. His introduction underscores the unstable leadership of the kingdom, with a fearful king, ambitious generals, and a crippled heir apparent, putting the kingdom in a precarious position.
As we continue with the narrative, we find Baanah and Rechab visiting Ishbosheth in the middle of the day, only to find him in bed - at noon! While there might be a multitude of reasons why Ishbosheth was in bed at such an hour, it paints a rather unflattering picture of the state of his kingship. Ishbosheth, being the youngest son of Saul, was never groomed for kingship and was likely used to the comforts provided by his father's wealth. It seems probable that sleeping until noon wasn't an unusual luxury for him, but rather a normal part of his daily routine. This depiction underlines the weakness of his rule and further highlights the instability of the kingdom.
Two individuals kill the king, leaving it uncertain if it was premeditated or spontaneous. The phrase "they smote him under the fifth rib" (v. 6) implies a fatal wound, likely to the heart. The murder may be a "crime of passion," spurred by fear for the future given the king's incompetence and a looming war. After the act, they escape and bring the king's head to David, recognizing him as their new leader.
David reacts to Ishbosheth's death with anger, not joy. He remembers the Amalekite who expected reward but received death for announcing Saul's demise (v. 10). Now, Baanah and Rechab have committed a worse act by killing Ishbosheth, who was innocent of any death-worthy crime, in his own bed (v. 11).
David's anger is due to factors like the method used - assassination. He fears that the men who killed Ishbosheth could target him next, demonstrating their untrustworthiness and danger, ready to murder for their own benefit.
After an assassination, David orders the execution of Baanah and Rechab, their dismemberment, and public display in Hebron (v. 12). This punishment sends a message that assassination is not tolerated in David's kingdom. It serves as a warning and emphasizes David's commitment to justice and rule integrity.
In contrast, David "took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron" (v. 12). He intended to honor Saul's family and respect authority, making his intentions clear.
Since Samuel anointed David as king (1 Samuel 16:1-13), Saul's house has weakened and dissolved, leaving the nation to recognize David as the rightful monarch. This was his third anointing, marking stages in his journey to kingship, each getting closer to God's promise.
David showed patience, strategic thinking, and sometimes, a lack of trust in God's timing. He respected God's anointing, refusing to harm Saul, but also aligned with King Achish of Gath, seemingly out of fear rather than faith.
Regardless, God's promises held true. David's path to kingship, filled with challenges, was guided by God. Now king of all Israel, we look forward to the tests and developments of his faith, leadership, and character.
Verses 4-5 detail the chronology of David's reign: starting at thirty, he ruled for forty years - seven and a half in Hebron over Judah, and thirty-three in Jerusalem over all Israel and Judah.