2 Samuel 4:12

And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged [them] up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried [it] in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.

And David {H1732} commanded {H6680} his young men {H5288}, and they slew {H2026} them, and cut off {H7112} their hands {H3027} and their feet {H7272}, and hanged them up {H8518} over the pool {H1295} in Hebron {H2275}. But they took {H3947} the head {H7218} of Ishbosheth {H378}, and buried {H6912} it in the sepulchre {H6913} of Abner {H74} in Hebron {H2275}.

David then gave the order to his men, and they put them to death, cutting off their hands and feet and hanging them up next to the pool at Hevron. But they took the head of Ish-Boshet and buried it in Avner's grave at Hevron.

So David commanded his young men, and they killed Rechab and Baanah. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies by the pool in Hebron, but they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in Abnerโ€™s tomb in Hebron.

And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up beside the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth, and buried it in the grave of Abner in Hebron.

Commentary

2 Samuel 4:12 describes King David's swift and severe justice against Rechab and Baanah, the two men who assassinated Ishbosheth, the son of Saul and rival king. This verse concludes the immediate aftermath of Ishbosheth's death, highlighting David's consistent stance against murder and treachery, even when it might appear to benefit him.

Context

Following the death of King Saul and his son Jonathan, a civil war erupted in Israel between the house of Saul, led by Ishbosheth (also known as Eshbaal), and the house of David, who had been anointed king in Hebron. Ishbosheth was a weak leader, and his position was precarious. In 2 Samuel 4:5-8, Rechab and Baanah, captains in Ishbosheth's own army, treacherously murdered him in his bed, expecting to receive a reward from David. However, David had previously demonstrated his abhorrence for such acts, punishing the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul (2 Samuel 1:15) and mourning the assassination of Abner, Ishbosheth's general (2 Samuel 3:31-34). This verse shows David's unwavering commitment to justice and legitimate authority.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and David's Righteous Rule: David's decisive action underscores his role as God's anointed king, upholding justice and order. He was not interested in gaining the throne through murder or unlawful means, but through God's timing and legitimate succession. This act solidified his moral authority and demonstrated that his reign would be built on righteousness.
  • Condemnation of Treachery and Violence: The severe punishment meted out to Rechab and Baanah โ€” their execution and public display of their bodies โ€” served as a powerful deterrent against future acts of betrayal and assassination. It sent a clear message that such heinous crimes, especially against a king, would not be tolerated in David's kingdom. The cutting off of hands and feet specifically targeted the instruments of their crime and their ability to flee.
  • Respect for Royal Dignity: Despite Ishbosheth being a rival, David ensured his head, which had been brought to him as a trophy, was given a respectful burial in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron. This act showed reverence for the office of king and a desire for reconciliation and unity after a period of civil strife, paving the way for David to be recognized as king over all Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "slew" (ื•ึทื™ึทึผื›ึผื•ึผ, vayyakku) implies a striking down or smiting, emphasizing the immediate and forceful nature of their execution. The phrase "cut off their hands and their feet" (ื•ึทื™ึดึผืงึฐืฆึฐืฆื•ึผ ืึถืชึพื™ึฐื“ึตื™ื”ึถื ื•ึฐืึถืชึพืจึทื’ึฐืœึตื™ื”ึถื, vayyiqtzatzu et-yedeihem v'et-ragleihem) vividly describes the dismemberment, a public spectacle designed to maximize the impact of the punishment and underscore the shame and consequences of their actions.

Practical Application

This verse provides a powerful lesson in leadership and justice. It reminds us that:

  • Integrity is Paramount: True leadership, especially in God's eyes, does not condone or benefit from unrighteous acts, even if they seem to serve a desired outcome. David consistently rejected violence and treachery as a means to power.
  • Consequences for Evil: There are serious consequences for betrayal, murder, and seeking personal gain through corrupt means. This principle reflects God's own justice, which demands accountability for actions.
  • Respect for Authority and Life: The proper burial of Ishbosheth, despite his rivalry, demonstrates a profound respect for human life and the dignity of even a fallen adversary. It encourages a spirit of reconciliation and proper conduct, even in times of conflict.

Ultimately, 2 Samuel 4:12 highlights David's commitment to establish a kingdom founded on justice, righteousness, and respect for God's divine order, rather than on opportunistic violence or political expediency.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 3:32 (4 votes)

    And they buried Abner in Hebron: and the king lifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.

  • 2 Samuel 1:15 (4 votes)

    And David called one of the young men, and said, Go near, [and] fall upon him. And he smote him that he died.

  • Psalms 55:23 (2 votes)

    But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

  • 2 Samuel 21:9 (2 votes)

    And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill before the LORD: and they fell [all] seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first [days], in the beginning of barley harvest.

  • Matthew 7:2 (2 votes)

    For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

  • Deuteronomy 21:22 (2 votes)

    And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:

  • Deuteronomy 21:23 (2 votes)

    His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged [is] accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance.