2 Samuel 4:6

KJV

And they came thither into the midst of the house, [as though] they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth [rib]: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they came thither {H935} into the midst {H8432} of the house {H1004}, as though they would have fetched {H3947} wheat {H2406}; and they smote {H5221} him under the fifth {H2570} rib: and Rechab {H7394} and Baanah {H1196} his brother {H251} escaped {H4422}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They went right into the house, as if they were coming to get wheat, and stabbed him in the groin; then Rekhav and Ba'anah his brother escaped.

Berean Standard Bible

They entered the interior of the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped away.

American Standard Version

And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him in the body: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 4:6 meticulously describes the treacherous assassination of Ish-bosheth, King Saul's son and nominal king over Israel, by his own captains, Rechab and Baanah. This verse captures the chilling moment when the two men, under the guise of collecting wheat, infiltrated Ish-bosheth's house and delivered a fatal blow to his abdomen, highlighting the profound deception and violence that marked the volatile period of transition as David's kingdom was being established over all Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of 2 Samuel, immediately following the death of Abner, Ish-bosheth's most powerful general and supporter, in [2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Kills Abner"). Abner's demise left Ish-bosheth profoundly vulnerable and demoralized, as indicated by his paralysis of fear and the scattering of all Israel, described in [2 Samuel 4:1](/2_samuel/4-1 "2 Samuel 4:1 - Ish-bosheth's Fear After Abner's Death"). The assassination of Ish-bosheth in this chapter directly paves the way for David's ultimate anointing as king over all twelve tribes of Israel, a pivotal event detailed in [2 Samuel 5:1-5](/2_samuel/5-1-5 "2 Samuel 5:1-5 - David Anointed King Over All Israel"). The sequence of events underscores the providential clearing of obstacles for David's unified reign.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in [2 Samuel 4](/2_samuel/4 "2 Samuel 4 - Ish-bosheth's Assassination") is one of intense civil war and political instability following the death of King Saul at the Battle of Gilboa, recounted in [1 Samuel 31:1-6](/1_samuel/31-1-6 "1 Samuel 31:1-6 - The Death of King Saul"). David had been anointed king over Judah in Hebron, as recorded in [2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King Over Judah"), while Abner had established Ish-bosheth as king over the northern tribes. Assassination was a brutal but not uncommon tactic in ancient Near Eastern power struggles, often employed by ambitious individuals seeking to gain favor with a rising power. The act of entering a private residence under a false pretense, such as "fetching wheat," speaks to the cultural norms of hospitality and trust, which were then ruthlessly exploited for nefarious ends.

* **Key Themes:** The events of [2 Samuel 4](/2_samuel/4 "2 Samuel 4 - Ish-bosheth's Assassination") contribute significantly to several overarching themes in the book. **Betrayal and Deception** are vividly portrayed by Rechab and Baanah's cunning approach, highlighting the moral decay that can accompany the pursuit of power. The **Vulnerability of Earthly Leadership**, particularly in times of transition and weakness, is starkly illustrated by Ish-bosheth's defenselessness. Most profoundly, this assassination marks the definitive **End of Saul's Dynasty**, clearing the final human obstacle to David's divinely appointed kingship over a united Israel. This narrative implicitly emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty**, as even the wicked acts of men ultimately serve God's larger redemptive plan to establish the Davidic line.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** This term refers to Ish-bosheth's residence, but in a broader sense, it can also signify a "household" or "family." The assassins' infiltration "into the midst of the house" (literally "in the middle of the house") implies a deep breach of security and privacy, reaching the very heart of Ish-bosheth's personal space, where he should have been safest.
* **Wheat (Hebrew, _chiṭṭâh'_):** This common agricultural product serves as a mundane and innocuous cover for the assassins' true intentions. The phrase "as though they would have fetched wheat" implies a routine, everyday activity, making their entry into the king's private quarters seem legitimate and unsuspicious. This detail underscores the depth of their deception and the calculated nature of their plot.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** Derived from this root, the verb here denotes a violent and decisive blow. Its use emphasizes the direct and fatal nature of the attack, leaving no doubt about the assassins' intent to kill. This word choice conveys the brutal efficiency with which Ish-bosheth's life was taken.
* **Fifth [rib] (Hebrew, _chômesh'_):** The Hebrew term _chômesh_ literally refers to "the fifth part" or, more commonly in this context, the abdomen or lower belly. While the KJV's interpretive addition of "[rib]" attempts to clarify the location, the more accurate understanding points to a vital, unprotected area of the lower torso or abdomen, where a strike would be immediately fatal. This detail highlights the precision and lethality of the blow, indicating a deliberate and effective assassination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they came thither into the midst of the house,"**: This opening clause establishes the assassins' successful infiltration. "Into the midst of the house" suggests they gained deep access, likely to Ish-bosheth's private chambers, indicating a breach of security and trust.
* **"[as though] they would have fetched wheat;"**: This parenthetical phrase reveals the cunning deception employed by Rechab and Baanah. Their pretense of performing a legitimate, perhaps even official, duty (collecting provisions) allowed them to bypass suspicion and enter the king's inner sanctum, highlighting their calculated treachery.
* **"and they smote him under the fifth [rib]:"**: This is the core of the verse, describing the fatal act. The "fifth [rib]" (more accurately, the abdomen or lower belly) indicates a precise and mortal wound, emphasizing the cold, deliberate nature of the assassination. Ish-bosheth was likely resting or vulnerable, making the attack swift and effective.
* **"and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped."**: This concluding clause details the immediate aftermath of the crime. Their escape signifies their initial success in carrying out the murder and their attempt to flee justice, setting the stage for David's subsequent reaction.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 2 Samuel 4:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to heighten its impact. **Irony** is prominent in the assassins' pretense of "fetching wheat," a mundane and life-sustaining activity, as a cover for a heinous, life-ending act. This stark contrast underscores the depth of their deception. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition**, placing the seemingly innocent act of gathering provisions directly against the brutal reality of a king's murder, emphasizing the sudden and shocking nature of the violence. Furthermore, the precise detail of "smote him under the fifth [rib]" serves as a form of **Realism**, lending a grim authenticity to the account of the assassination. Ultimately, this pivotal moment serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, signaling the imminent collapse of Saul's house and the inevitable consolidation of power under David, aligning with God's overarching plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 4:6, though describing a dark act of human depravity, fits within the broader biblical narrative of God's sovereign control over human history and the establishment of His chosen leadership. While Rechab and Baanah acted out of selfish ambition and treachery, their wicked deed inadvertently served God's purpose in removing the last obstacle to David's unified reign over all Israel. This does not condone their sin but illustrates how God can orchestrate even evil acts to fulfill His righteous plan, demonstrating His ultimate authority over human kingdoms and their transitions. It also highlights the biblical principle that those who seek to gain power through unrighteous means often face divine judgment, as seen in David's swift and severe response to the assassins.

* [2 Samuel 1:14-16](/2_samuel/1-14-16 "2 Samuel 1:14-16 - David's Judgment on Saul's Killer")
* [2 Samuel 3:28-39](/2_samuel/3-28-39 "2 Samuel 3:28-39 - David's Mourning for Abner")
* [Psalm 7:16](/psalms/7-16 "Psalm 7:16 - The Wicked's Own Mischief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling account of Ish-bosheth's assassination in 2 Samuel 4:6 serves as a potent reminder of the destructive power of unchecked ambition and the insidious nature of betrayal. Rechab and Baanah, driven by a misguided desire for personal gain and favor, chose a path of deceit and violence, believing their actions would elevate them. Yet, their scheme ultimately led to their swift and ignominious downfall. This narrative challenges us to examine our own motives, particularly when seeking advancement or influence. Do we prioritize integrity, justice, and the well-being of others, or are we tempted to cut corners, manipulate, or betray trust for perceived advantage? The story underscores that true lasting success and divine favor are not found in opportunistic violence or cunning deception, but in patient waiting on God's timing and unwavering commitment to righteousness, even in chaotic circumstances. It calls us to embody the character of David, who, despite being a rival, consistently condemned those who took justice into their own hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the deception employed by Rechab and Baanah challenge our understanding of trust and vulnerability in leadership?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to compromise our integrity for personal gain, and what are the potential consequences?**
* **How does David's response to this assassination, and to the death of Saul, illustrate a commitment to justice that transcends personal advantage?**
* **What does this narrative teach us about God's sovereignty, even amidst human sin and political turmoil?**

### FAQ
**Why did Rechab and Baanah assassinate Ish-bosheth?**

Answer: Rechab and Baanah assassinated Ish-bosheth primarily out of self-interest and a misguided attempt to curry favor with David. They likely perceived Ish-bosheth's reign as weak and nearing its end, especially after the death of his general Abner, as described in [2 Samuel 4:1](/2_samuel/4-1 "2 Samuel 4:1 - Ish-bosheth's Fear After Abner's Death"). They believed that by eliminating David's last remaining rival from Saul's house, they would be rewarded by David and secure a prominent position in his new kingdom. Their actions were driven by ambition and a complete disregard for divine justice or the sanctity of human life.

**What is the significance of "smote him under the fifth [rib]"?**

Answer: The phrase "smote him under the fifth [rib]" (Hebrew: _hachomesh_) refers to a fatal blow delivered to the lower abdomen or belly, a vital and unprotected area of the body. The KJV's addition of "[rib]" is an interpretive attempt to clarify the location, but the original Hebrew more broadly indicates the region of the abdomen. This detail emphasizes the precision and lethality of the attack, ensuring Ish-bosheth's swift death. It highlights the cold, calculated nature of the assassination, designed to be immediately effective.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 4:6 describes a dark chapter of betrayal and violence, it plays a crucial role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, ultimately pointing to Christ. The assassination of Ish-bosheth marks the definitive end of Saul's flawed and human-established dynasty, clearing the way for David, God's chosen king, to reign over a united Israel. This transition foreshadows the ultimate end of all earthly, imperfect kingdoms and the establishment of the eternal, perfect kingdom of God, inaugurated by Jesus Christ. Just as David’s righteous judgment against Ish-bosheth’s assassins in [2 Samuel 4:9-12](/2_samuel/4-9-12 "2 Samuel 4:9-12 - David's Judgment on the Assassins") demonstrated his commitment to justice and the sanctity of the Lord’s anointed, so too does Christ, the true Son of David, embody perfect justice and righteous rule. His kingdom, unlike vulnerable earthly monarchies, is unshakable and eternal, as promised in [Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - The Unshakable Kingdom"). The vulnerability of Ish-bosheth, an earthly king, stands in stark contrast to the divine invincibility of Christ, the King of Kings, whose reign will never end and whose authority is absolute, as declared in [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"). The narrative thus subtly underscores that God's sovereign plan of salvation, culminating in Christ, triumphs over all human wickedness and political turmoil.

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

2 Samuel 2:23

Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth [rib], that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, [that] as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.

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.

2 Samuel 20:10

But Amasa took no heed to the sword that [was] in Joab's hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth [rib], and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri.