2 Samuel 4:7

KJV

For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and gat them away through the plain all night.

KJV (with Strong's)

For when they came {H935} into the house {H1004}, he lay {H7901} on his bed {H4296} in his bedchamber {H2315}{H4904}, and they smote {H5221} him, and slew {H4191} him, and beheaded {H5493} him, and took {H3947} his head {H7218}, and gat them away {H3212} through {H1870} the plain {H6160} all night {H3915}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They entered the house as he lay on his bed in his bedroom, stabbed him and killed him; then they beheaded him, took his head and fled all night along the road through the 'Aravah.

Berean Standard Bible

They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed, and having stabbed and killed him, they beheaded him, took his head, and traveled all night by way of the Arabah.

American Standard Version

Now when they came into the house, as he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and went by the way of the Arabah all night.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse vividly recounts the treacherous assassination of Ish-bosheth, King Saul's son and nominal successor, by his own captains, Rechab and Baanah. While he rested in the privacy of his bedchamber during the midday heat, they brutally murdered him, beheaded him, and then fled through the night with his head, intending to present it to David. This heinous act definitively seals the tragic end of Saul's dynastic claim to the throne of Israel, clearing the final obstacle for David's divinely appointed ascension as the unified kingdom's sovereign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The immediate literary context of [2 Samuel 4](/2_samuel/4 "2 Samuel 4 - Ish-bosheth's Assassination") is a period of intense political instability and civil war following the deaths of King Saul and his sons at Mount Gilboa, as narrated in [1 Samuel 31](/1_samuel/31 "1 Samuel 31 - The Death of Saul"). David had been anointed king over Judah in Hebron ([2 Samuel 2:4](/2_samuel/2-4 "2 Samuel 2:4 - David Anointed King Over Judah")), while Abner, Saul's formidable general, had established Ish-bosheth as king over the northern tribes of Israel in Mahanaim ([2 Samuel 2:8-9](/2_samuel/2-8-9 "2 Samuel 2:8-9 - Ish-bosheth Made King Over Israel")). The narrative details the protracted conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David, marked by skirmishes and political maneuvering. Abner's defection to David, motivated by a desire to unify the kingdom under David, and his subsequent treacherous murder by Joab ([2 Samuel 3:27](/2_samuel/3-27 "2 Samuel 3:27 - Joab Murders Abner")) left Ish-bosheth utterly exposed and vulnerable. The news of Abner's death, coupled with the prior death of Jonathan's lame son Mephibosheth's nurse ([2 Samuel 4:4](/2_samuel/4-4 "2 Samuel 4:4 - Mephibosheth's Injury")), created a power vacuum and a climate of fear that Rechab and Baanah, two opportunistic captains, sought to exploit, leading directly to the events of [2 Samuel 4:7](/2_samuel/4-7 "2 Samuel 4:7 - Ish-bosheth's Assassination").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was characterized by volatile political transitions, where the elimination of rival claimants to the throne was a common, though often condemned, practice. Dynastic changes frequently involved violence, particularly during periods of civil strife like the one depicted in 2 Samuel. The act of assassination, especially of a king, was a grave offense, but the perpetrators often hoped to gain favor with the incoming ruler by removing obstacles to their power. The detail that Ish-bosheth was resting in his "bedchamber" during the heat of the day (a common practice for a midday siesta in the region) underscores his vulnerability and the insidious nature of the attack. His bedchamber, a private and typically secure space, being breached by his own trusted captains, highlights the profound betrayal. Beheading was a particularly gruesome and definitive act, serving as undeniable proof of death and often as a public display of conquest or elimination, meant to be presented as a trophy to a new sovereign. This act was not merely killing but a symbolic eradication of the dynastic claim.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it marks the **definitive end of Saul's dynasty**, showcasing how human treachery and violence, though wicked, ultimately serve God's sovereign plan to establish David's kingship. The instability, moral decay, and ultimate demise of Saul's house are starkly contrasted with God's steadfast promise to David concerning an enduring kingdom ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). Secondly, it underscores the pervasive theme of **violence and its consequences**, illustrating the ruthless pursuit of power and the moral corruption that can accompany it. The assassins' expectation of reward, only to be met with David's fierce condemnation, highlights the principle that God's kingdom is not built on such foundations. Thirdly, it highlights the theme of **divine justice**, as David's subsequent condemnation and swift execution of the murderers ([2 Samuel 4:9-12](/2_samuel/4-9-12 "2 Samuel 4:9-12 - David's Justice for Ish-bosheth's Murderers")) demonstrate that God's righteous order will ultimately prevail over human wickedness, even when wicked acts appear to advance His purposes. The narrative consistently emphasizes that God's plan unfolds, but human accountability for sin remains.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **House (Hebrew, _bayith_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to build," refers broadly to a dwelling, palace, or even a family/household. In this context, it signifies Ish-bosheth's personal residence, emphasizing the violation of a sacred space of refuge and the profound breach of hospitality and trust.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh_):** A primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)," this verb often denotes a decisive, forceful blow, frequently with the intent to injure or kill. Here, it describes the initial, fatal strike delivered to Ish-bosheth, emphasizing the suddenness and violence of the attack, marking the beginning of his demise.
* **Slew (Hebrew, _mûwth_):** This primitive root means "to die (literally or figuratively)" and, causatively, "to kill." Its pairing with "smote" underscores the complete and final termination of Ish-bosheth's life. While "smote" describes the action, "slew" confirms the outcome, leaving no doubt as to the comprehensive nature of the assassination.
* **Beheaded (Hebrew, _çûwr_):** This root means "to turn off (literal or figurative)," including "be-head" or "remove." While the KJV translates it as "beheaded," the Hebrew phrase used is "and they cut off his head" (וַיִּכְרְתוּ אֶת־רֹאשׁוֹ). The verb `çûwr` (H5493) is used in the broader context of removing or turning off. The act of beheading was a particularly gruesome and definitive form of execution in the ancient world, often reserved for enemies or as a public display of conquest. Here, it serves as undeniable proof of Ish-bosheth's death and a stark symbol of the complete eradication of Saul's direct dynastic line.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For when they came into the house":** This clause immediately establishes the setting and the unauthorized, intrusive nature of the assassins' arrival. It signals a violation of privacy and security, setting a sinister tone for the events about to unfold within Ish-bosheth's personal domain.
* **"he lay on his bed in his bedchamber":** This detail highlights Ish-bosheth's extreme vulnerability and unsuspecting state. Resting in his private bedchamber, likely during the midday heat, he was in a position of relaxation and assumed safety, making the attack a profound act of betrayal by those who should have been his protectors. The "bedchamber" (Hebrew: _cheder mishkâb_) emphasizes the intimacy and privacy of the space, now tragically violated.
* **"and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him":** This chilling sequence of three verbs graphically describes the escalating violence and finality of the assassination. "Smote" suggests the initial, decisive blow; "slew" confirms his death; and "beheaded" adds a layer of extreme barbarity and definitive mutilation, serving as a gruesome trophy and undeniable proof of the deed. The progression emphasizes the ruthless intent to ensure his demise and secure evidence.
* **"and took his head, and gat them away through the plain all night":** The act of taking Ish-bosheth's head underscores the murderers' intent to provide tangible evidence of their act, likely to David, in hopes of reward. Their subsequent flight "through the plain all night" conveys the urgency, stealth, and desperation of their escape. The "plain" (Hebrew: _ʻărâbâh_) refers to the desolate Jordan Valley, a difficult route, emphasizing their arduous and clandestine journey under the cover of darkness, indicative of their awareness of the heinousness of their crime and the need to evade immediate capture.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey the brutality and significance of Ish-bosheth's assassination. **Juxtaposition** is starkly evident in the contrast between Ish-bosheth's vulnerable, unsuspecting state, "he lay on his bed in his bedchamber," and the sudden, violent intrusion of his assassins. This highlights the profound betrayal and the swiftness of his demise. The sequence of verbs—"smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him"—demonstrates a clear **climax** or **ascending action**, building in intensity and gruesomeness, culminating in the ultimate act of mutilation. This creates vivid **imagery** that underscores the ruthless and barbaric nature of the act. Furthermore, the detail of the murderers fleeing "through the plain all night" utilizes **symbolism**, with the darkness of the night representing their clandestine, wicked deed and the desolate plain signifying their desperate, unhindered escape from justice. The entire verse functions as a dramatic **turning point** in the narrative, marking the definitive, violent end of Saul's house and propelling the story towards David's unified kingship over all Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This grim account, while depicting human depravity and political opportunism, simultaneously illustrates God's overarching sovereignty even amidst the darkest human actions. The assassination of Ish-bosheth, though a wicked act of treachery and a profound violation of human dignity, ultimately served to remove the last significant obstacle to David's rightful and divinely ordained kingship over all Israel. It underscores the biblical principle that while God does not condone or instigate evil, He can providentially use the choices and actions of wicked individuals to accomplish His righteous and redemptive purposes. David's subsequent condemnation and swift execution of Rechab and Baanah, detailed in the verses immediately following, further reinforces the theological message that God's kingdom is not established through violence, deceit, or unrighteous means, but through integrity, justice, and faithfulness, even when such acts appear to align with divine timing. God's purposes are holy, and He holds human agents accountable for their sinful choices.

* [2 Samuel 1:14-16](/2_samuel/1-14-16 "2 Samuel 1:14-16 - David's Justice for the Amalekite Who Claimed to Kill Saul")
* [2 Samuel 4:9-12](/2_samuel/4-9-12 "2 Samuel 4:9-12 - David's Condemnation and Execution of Ish-bosheth's Murderers")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brutal details of 2 Samuel 4:7 serve as a stark reminder of the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition and the tragic consequences of betrayal. While the outcome of Ish-bosheth's death aligned with God's ultimate plan for David's unified reign, the means by which it occurred were unequivocally condemned by David himself, demonstrating that God's righteous purposes do not justify unrighteous methods. This passage challenges us to reflect on our own motivations in seeking influence, power, or advancement, urging us to pursue integrity, justice, and faithfulness rather than resorting to deceit, violence, or opportunistic exploitation. It also reassures us that even in the face of profound human wickedness, chaos, and apparent injustice, God remains sovereign, capable of weaving His divine tapestry of purpose through the tangled threads of human sin. Our call as believers is not to manipulate circumstances or engage in ungodly means to achieve what we perceive as "good" ends, but to trust in His perfect timing and righteous methods, always upholding the standards of His kingdom. We are to be agents of righteousness, not opportunism.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's response to Ish-bosheth's murder ([2 Samuel 4:9-12](/2_samuel/4-9-12 "2 Samuel 4:9-12 - David's Justice for Ish-bosheth's Murderers")) challenge the idea that "the ends justify the means" in our own lives or in societal contexts?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to compromise our integrity or resort to questionable tactics to achieve what we believe is a "good" or "necessary" outcome?**
* **How does this passage encourage us to trust in God's sovereign plan and His righteous character, even when human actions appear chaotic, unjust, or seemingly beneficial to a divine purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ish-bosheth assassinated?**

Answer: Ish-bosheth was assassinated by two of his own captains, Rechab and Baanah, primarily out of opportunistic ambition and a misguided attempt to curry favor with David. They believed that by eliminating King Saul's last surviving son, they would accelerate the inevitable transfer of power to David, who was already king over Judah and destined to rule all Israel. Ish-bosheth's reign was inherently weak, especially after the death of his powerful general, Abner, leaving him vulnerable and his kingdom unstable. Rechab and Baanah saw an opportunity to secure a position for themselves in the new regime by removing the last obstacle to David's unified kingship, as detailed in [2 Samuel 4:1-3](/2_samuel/4-1-3 "2 Samuel 4:1-3 - Ish-bosheth's Fear and Rechab and Baanah's Plot").

**How did David react to Ish-bosheth's murder?**

Answer: David reacted with profound anger, grief, and condemnation, not with gratitude, as Rechab and Baanah had hoped. He swiftly ordered their execution, demonstrating his consistent stance against those who shed innocent blood. David viewed their act as a heinous crime, an unprovoked murder of a righteous man in his own home, particularly offensive because Ish-bosheth was vulnerable and trusting. He reminded them of his previous condemnation and execution of the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul ([2 Samuel 1:14-16](/2_samuel/1-14-16 "2 Samuel 1:14-16 - David's Justice for the Amalekite")), reinforcing his commitment to justice and his refusal to build his kingdom through treachery or violence. David's response, recorded in [2 Samuel 4:9-12](/2_samuel/4-9-12 "2 Samuel 4:9-12 - David's Justice for Ish-bosheth's Murderers"), underscored that God's purposes do not justify human wickedness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 4:7 depicts the violent and treacherous end of a flawed human dynasty, it ultimately points forward to the coming of the perfect and eternal King, Jesus Christ. Ish-bosheth's death, a result of human treachery and the ruthless pursuit of power through bloodshed, stands in stark contrast to the way God's ultimate kingdom is established. Unlike the kings of this world who rise and fall through violence and the elimination of rivals, Jesus, the true Son of David, did not seize His throne through force or the shedding of innocent blood by human hands. Instead, His reign is founded on sacrificial love and the shedding of His own blood for the redemption of humanity. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), and whose ascension to power came not through the assassination of rivals, but through His [resurrection from the dead](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ's Resurrection as Firstfruits") and His [glorious enthronement at the right hand of God](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand"). The instability, violence, and moral decay of Saul's house, culminating in Ish-bosheth's tragic end, serve as a poignant shadow of the profound need for a King whose dominion is eternal, whose character is righteous, and whose peace truly surpasses all understanding—a peace found only in Christ Jesus, the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Jesus, Prince of Peace").

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

Matthew 14:11

And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought [it] to her mother.

2 Kings 10:6

Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye [be] mine, and [if] ye will hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your master's sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to morrow this time. Now the king's sons, [being] seventy persons, [were] with the great men of the city, which brought them up.

2 Kings 10:7

And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king's sons, and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent him [them] to Jezreel.

1 Samuel 17:54

And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent.

Mark 6:28

And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.

Mark 6:29

And when his disciples heard [of it], they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

2 Samuel 2:29

And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.