Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

2 Samuel 4 Devotional

A Kingdom Not Won by Treachery

“But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress,”2 Samuel 4:9 (BSB)

Two captains from Ish-bosheth's own army slip into his house at midday, kill him on his bed, and carry his head all night to Hebron. They present it to David as a gift from heaven, announcing that the LORD has avenged the king on Saul and his offspring (4:8). They have put God's name on their crime and expect to be rewarded for it. David will not have it. He swears by the LORD who has redeemed his life from every trouble (4:9). God had protected him through years of danger and did not need murderers to finish the work. Calling an innocent man's death God's justice does not make it so, and David has the killers executed (4:11-12).

Tucked into this chapter is a small note about Jonathan's son Mephibosheth, lamed as a child when his nurse fled with him (4:4). He will matter later. The God who rescues David needs no one's sin to keep his promises, so there is no reason to reach for shortcuts that dishonor him.

To think about: Where are you tempted to take a shortcut and call it God's will?

About 2 Samuel 4: Ish-bosheth Is Assassinated

Abner’s death leaves Ish-bosheth fearful, and the narrator introduces Jonathan’s lame son Mephibosheth. Two of Ish-bosheth’s captains murder him and bring the proof to David expecting reward, but David condemns them for killing an innocent man and has them executed.

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