2 Samuel 4:11

How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?

How much more, when wicked {H7563} men {H582} have slain {H2026} a righteous {H6662} person {H376} in his own house {H1004} upon his bed {H4904}? shall I not therefore now require {H1245} his blood {H1818} of your hand {H3027}, and take you away {H1197} from the earth {H776}?

How much more, when criminals have killed an innocent man in his own house on his own bed, shouldn't I hold you responsible for his death and rid the earth of you?"

How much more, when wicked men kill a righteous man in his own house and on his own bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hands and remove you from the earth!”

How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed, shall I not now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?

Commentary

In 2 Samuel 4:11, King David pronounces a severe judgment on Rechab and Baanah, the two men who treacherously murdered Ish-bosheth, the son of King Saul. David's words convey his righteous indignation and unwavering commitment to justice, emphasizing the heinous nature of their crime and the swift consequences they would face.

Context

This verse is crucial in the narrative of David's ascent to the throne of all Israel. Following the deaths of King Saul and his son Jonathan, a civil war began between David, who reigned in Judah, and Ish-bosheth, Saul's surviving son, who was made king over the northern tribes by Abner, Saul's general. After Abner's assassination by Joab (2 Samuel 3:27), Ish-bosheth was left without his main support. Two of his own captains, Rechab and Baanah, saw an opportunity to gain favor with David by murdering Ish-bosheth in his sleep and presenting his head to David. However, David's reaction here mirrors his earlier condemnation of the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul (2 Samuel 1:15), demonstrating his consistent abhorrence of opportunistic violence and treachery.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: David acts as God's appointed king, meting out swift justice for the shedding of innocent blood. The phrase "require his blood of your hand" emphasizes ultimate accountability and divine judgment for such a grave sin.
  • Abhorrence of Treachery: David condemns the act not merely as murder, but as a heinous betrayal committed against a vulnerable individual "in his own house upon his bed." This highlights the sacredness of one's home and the heightened wickedness of violating that sanctity.
  • David's Righteous Character: This incident further solidifies David's image as a man who values justice and abhors unrighteous violence, even when it might appear to serve his political interests. He refuses to condone wickedness, showcasing his integrity as a leader.
  • Sanctity of Life: The verse underscores the biblical value of human life and the severity with which God views its unjust taking, particularly the murder of an innocent person.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "require his blood" (Hebrew: baqash dam) is a strong legal and theological term. It signifies that an accounting or payment for the spilled blood is due, often implying divine accountability. This concept is deeply rooted in ancient Israelite law, where the sanctity of human life, created in God's image, was paramount, and murder demanded strict retribution (Genesis 9:6). David, as the king, is acting as God's agent in demanding this accountability.

Practical Application

The account in 2 Samuel 4:11 offers timeless lessons:

  • Justice Will Prevail: Even in chaotic times or situations where one might think they can escape consequences, God's justice ultimately prevails. Wickedness, especially treachery and the shedding of innocent blood, will be judged.
  • Integrity in Leadership: David's example reminds us that true leadership is not about seizing power by any means necessary, but about upholding righteousness, integrity, and justice, even when it means rejecting perceived shortcuts or easy gains.
  • Consequences of Sin: The swift and severe punishment of Rechab and Baanah serves as a powerful reminder of the serious consequences that accompany sinful actions, particularly those that violate God's commands regarding human life and justice.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 9:12 (4 votes)

    When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

  • Genesis 9:5 (3 votes)

    And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.

  • Genesis 9:6 (3 votes)

    Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

  • Numbers 35:31 (2 votes)

    Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which [is] guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.

  • Numbers 35:34 (2 votes)

    Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.

  • Exodus 9:15 (2 votes)

    For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.

  • Psalms 109:15 (2 votes)

    Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.