2 SAMUEL 4

THE DEATH OF ISH-BOSHETH

The only remaining descendants of Saul are Rechab, Baanah, and Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth. Rechab and Baanah are military leaders, but Mephibosheth is very young and physically crippled.

Ish-bosheth hears of the death of Abner and is also grieved, even though they were enemies at the time of his death. After receiving this news, Ish-bosheth’s courage fails, making him appear weak and alarming the Israelites. Afraid of having a weak ruler, two of Ish-bosheth’s military leaders and Saul’s remaining relatives murder Ish-boseth in his sleep.

Rechab and Baanah, the two men who killed Ish-bosheth, go to tell David the news. Similar to when he heard the news of Saul’s death, David is saddened by this news and has them killed.