2 Samuel 4:1

KJV

¶ And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Saul's {H7586} son {H1121} heard {H8085} that Abner {H74} was dead {H4191} in Hebron {H2275}, his hands {H3027} were feeble {H7503}, and all the Israelites {H3478} were troubled {H926}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Ish-Boshet the son of Sha'ul heard that Avner had died in Hevron, his courage failed; and all Isra'el became alarmed.

Berean Standard Bible

Now when Ish-bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel was dismayed.

American Standard Version

And whenIsh-bosheth, Saul’s son, heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands became feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Samuel 4:1 vividly captures the immediate and profound impact of Abner’s assassination on the fragile northern kingdom of Israel. The news of the death of Saul's formidable military commander and chief supporter leaves Ish-bosheth, Saul's son and nominal king, utterly paralyzed with fear and despair. This paralysis extends to all the Israelites loyal to Saul's house, who are thrown into widespread confusion and dismay, signaling the imminent collapse of their resistance and paving the way for David's ultimate unification of the kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial turning point, directly following the detailed account of Abner's defection to David's side and his subsequent treacherous murder by Joab, David's commander, in [Hebron](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Kills Abner"). The preceding chapters have meticulously laid out the protracted civil war between the house of Saul, led by Abner and nominally by Ish-bosheth, and the house of David, who reigned in Judah from Hebron. Abner's death, therefore, removes the last significant military and political pillar supporting Saul's dynasty, making Ish-bosheth's already weak position untenable. The narrative here swiftly moves towards the final dissolution of the divided kingdom and the eventual [unification under David](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1 - David Anointed King Over All Israel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern monarchies, the death of a powerful military general, especially one who was the de facto leader and strategist behind a king, often portended the swift downfall of that king's regime. Ish-bosheth, though anointed king over Israel by Abner in [Mahanaim](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8 - Ish-bosheth Made King"), was never portrayed as a strong or capable ruler; his authority was entirely derivative of Abner's influence and military might. The concept of dynastic succession was paramount, but without a strong leader or protector, a dynasty could easily crumble. The widespread "trouble" among the Israelites reflects the deep-seated anxiety and uncertainty that would grip a populace facing a sudden power vacuum and the potential for further violence or conquest, especially given the ongoing conflict with David.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **political instability and the fragility of human power structures**, especially those not fully aligned with God's divine plan. Ish-bosheth's "feeble hands" vividly illustrate the personal and systemic collapse when human strength and strategic alliances are removed. Secondly, it emphasizes the pervasive **human experience of fear and despair** in the face of overwhelming crisis, mirroring the collective anxiety of "all the Israelites." Thirdly, the verse subtly points to **divine providence**, demonstrating how even heinous acts of human violence, like Abner's murder, can inadvertently serve God's overarching purpose of establishing David's legitimate and divinely appointed kingdom, as foreshadowed in [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed by Samuel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **feeble (Hebrew, _râphâh'_):** From the primitive root H7503, meaning "to slacken, fail, be faint, be feeble." In this context, the idiom "his hands were feeble" (רָפוּ יָדָיו, _rafu yadaw_) signifies a complete loss of strength, courage, resolve, and the ability to act. It implies not merely physical weakness but a profound mental and emotional collapse, rendering Ish-bosheth utterly paralyzed and incapable of leadership or defense.
* **troubled (Hebrew, _bâhal'_):** From the primitive root H926, meaning "to tremble inwardly, be alarmed or agitated; to hasten anxiously." The Niphal stem (נִבְהֲלוּ, _nivhalu_) indicates a passive or reflexive state, conveying that the Israelites were suddenly thrown into confusion, panic, and dismay. This describes a widespread collective disarray and loss of composure among the populace loyal to Saul's declining house.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron":** This clause immediately identifies the recipient of the news as Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, who was a figurehead king. The mention of Abner's death is critical, as Abner was the military and political backbone of Saul's house. The location "in Hebron" is significant, as it was David's capital, underscoring the vulnerability of Saul's remaining power to David's sphere of influence and the treacherous circumstances of Abner's demise at the hands of Joab.
* **"his hands were feeble":** This powerful idiom describes Ish-bosheth's immediate and overwhelming reaction. It signifies a complete loss of courage, initiative, and the capacity for leadership. He is rendered utterly powerless and despairing, recognizing that his sole source of strength and protection has been removed. This phrase vividly portrays his internal state of utter paralysis and hopelessness.
* **"and all the Israelites were troubled":** This indicates that the despair was not confined to Ish-bosheth but permeated the entire populace loyal to Saul's house. The news of Abner's death created widespread panic, confusion, and dismay. They understood that the last bastion of stability for their kingdom had fallen, leaving them vulnerable to an uncertain future, likely under David's rule.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Idiom**, specifically "his hands were feeble," which is a common Hebrew expression for losing courage or strength, far more evocative than simply stating "he was afraid." This idiom powerfully communicates Ish-bosheth's complete psychological and practical collapse. The phrase "all the Israelites" might be considered a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the widespread nature of the fear and dismay, even if not literally every single Israelite was affected. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a moment of **Foreshadowing**, signaling the imminent end of Saul's dynasty and the inevitable unification of the kingdom under David, as the last major obstacle to his reign has been removed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The events of 2 Samuel 4:1, while rooted in human treachery and political maneuvering, are deeply interwoven with God's sovereign plan for Israel. Abner's death, though a tragic consequence of Joab's vengeful act, serves as a catalyst for the divine purpose of establishing David's kingdom. It demonstrates that even through the chaos of human sin and political instability, God remains in control, orchestrating circumstances to fulfill His promises. The "feeble hands" of Ish-bosheth and the "troubled" Israelites underscore the fragility of human leadership and the ultimate futility of resisting God's chosen path. This transition of power, marked by fear and despair for some, was a necessary step in the unfolding of God's redemptive history, leading to the establishment of the Davidic covenant.

* [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed King")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The human response to crisis, as depicted in 2 Samuel 4:1, resonates profoundly with our own experiences. When the pillars of our security—be they leaders, institutions, or personal circumstances—are suddenly removed, it is natural to feel fear, despair, and a sense of paralysis. Ish-bosheth's "feeble hands" remind us that even those in positions of power are vulnerable to overwhelming anxiety. The "troubled" Israelites reflect the collective uncertainty that can grip communities when stability is threatened. This passage calls us to examine where we place our ultimate trust. Do we rely solely on human strength and political structures, which are inherently fragile and subject to collapse, or do we anchor our hope in the unshakeable sovereignty of God? Even in moments of profound chaos and loss, the biblical narrative consistently points to God's hand at work, guiding history toward His ultimate purposes. Our faith is tested not when things are stable, but when our "hands are feeble" and the world around us is "troubled."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Abners" in your life—the sources of security or strength that, if removed, would cause your "hands to be feeble"?**
* **How do you typically react when faced with sudden, destabilizing news or events that threaten your sense of security?**
* **In what ways can a community's collective "trouble" or fear influence individual responses to crisis?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate sovereignty in history, even through human sin and chaos, impact your perspective on current events?**

### FAQ
**Who was "Saul's son" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "Saul's son" refers to Ish-bosheth, also known as Ishbaal (as in [1 Chronicles 8:33](/1_chronicles/8-33 "1 Chronicles 8:33 - Ishbaal, Son of Saul")). After Saul's death, Abner, the commander of Saul's army, made Ish-bosheth king over the northern tribes of Israel in [Mahanaim](/2_samuel/2-8 "2 Samuel 2:8 - Ish-bosheth Made King"), while David reigned over Judah from Hebron. Ish-bosheth was largely a figurehead, relying entirely on Abner's military and political prowess.

**Why was Abner's death so significant that it caused such a strong reaction?**

Answer: Abner was the most powerful and influential figure remaining from Saul's house. He was the military commander who had rallied the northern tribes around Ish-bosheth and had been the primary force resisting David's claim to the throne over all Israel. His death, particularly his assassination by Joab in [Hebron](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Kills Abner"), removed the last strong pillar of support for Saul's dynasty. Without Abner, Ish-bosheth was left completely vulnerable, and the northern kingdom lost its strategic leader, leading to widespread panic and the rapid decline of their resistance to David.

**How does this event relate to David's eventual kingship over all Israel?**

Answer: Abner's death was a pivotal event that directly paved the way for David's undisputed reign over all Israel. With Abner gone, Ish-bosheth lost his protector and chief strategist, rendering his rule unsustainable. This created a power vacuum and eliminated the primary obstacle to the unification of the kingdom. Shortly after this, Ish-bosheth himself is assassinated, and all the tribes of Israel come to David in [Hebron to make him king](/2_samuel/5-1 "2 Samuel 5:1 - David Anointed King Over All Israel"), thus fulfilling God's promise to David.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The instability and ultimate collapse of Saul's kingdom, vividly illustrated by Ish-bosheth's "feeble hands" and the "troubled" Israelites, powerfully foreshadow the profound contrast with the eternal and unshakable kingdom of Christ. Saul's dynasty, founded on human anointing and ultimately marred by disobedience and weakness, could not endure. Ish-bosheth, a king whose authority depended entirely on a human general, crumbled when that support was removed. This earthly drama points to the desperate human need for a King whose power is not derived from human strength or alliances, but from divine sovereignty. Jesus Christ is that King. Unlike Ish-bosheth, whose hands were feeble in the face of crisis, Christ's hands are mighty to save, to uphold, and to rule. His kingdom is not subject to political assassinations or power vacuums; it is an [unshakable kingdom](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom") that will never be destroyed. The transition from Saul's failing house to David's divinely appointed reign in 2 Samuel prefigures the greater spiritual transition from the dominion of sin and death to the glorious, eternal reign of Christ, who has [delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness"). Ultimately, the narrative of 2 Samuel 4:1, with its depiction of human fragility and the inevitable end of earthly regimes, directs our gaze to the Lamb of God, whose [kingdom will have no end](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord"), and whose hands are eternally strong to govern and redeem.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezra 4:4

Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,

Isaiah 13:7

Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt:

Jeremiah 6:24

We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.

Jeremiah 50:43

The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, [and] pangs as of a woman in travail.

Nehemiah 6:9

For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, [O God], strengthen my hands.

2 Samuel 3:27

And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth [rib], that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.

Matthew 2:2

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.