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2 Samuel

2 Samuel 4

Ishbosheth is murdered

2 Samuel 4:1-8

When Ish-bosheth heard that Abner was dead he was shaken.  It was clear that Abner was the power behind the king and Ish-bosheth was somewhat lost without the leadership of Abner.  Verse one said he lost heart; this was to be wore down to the point of inactivity.  This is what we see play out in verse 5 when Ish-bosheth is laying in bed at noon. 

The captains of the troops had ony been loyal Ish-bosheth while Abner was alive.  Now that these men see a weak leader in Ish-bosheth.  His son, Mephibosheth, who had a claim to the throne, but was lame and only 12 years old.  He, too, was viewed as weak and unable to attain or hold the throne.  Because of this, there was bound to be a power grab of the kingdom.  These 2 generals decided to get out and try to come out on top while they were at it.  They killed Ish-bosheth and brought his head to David seeking favor with him.  They claimed they were doing the Lord's work.  Interesting how quickly these generals sought to change sides.

 

2 Samuel 4:9-12

The problem with the approach of these men is that David didn't view Saul as an enemy.  In fact, he had just composed this song celebrating Saul and Jonathon for their lives of courage and as great warriors.  When these guys showed up with the head of Saul's son, they thought they would be celebrated when in fact they would be struck down.  Their action was nothing short of premeditated murder.   David killed the man that said he killed Saul and Jonathon, and this happened in battle.  How much more would he deal harshly with these men who just outright murdered a man in his bed.   

 

© 2016 Doug Ford