Today we are reading 2 Samuel 4. In this chapter we read about the death of Ish-bosheth, son of Saul. “When Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, heard that Abner had died at Hebron, his courage failed, and all Israel was dismayed. Now Saul’s son had two men who were captains of raiding bands; the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon a man of Benjamin from Beeroth (for Beeroth also is counted part of Benjamin; Now the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, set out, and about the heat of the day they came to the house of Ish-bosheth as he was taking his noonday rest. And they came into the midst of the house as if to get wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. When they came into the house, as he lay on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him and put him to death and beheaded him. They took his head and went by the way of the Arabah all night, and brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron. And they said to the king, “Here is the head of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life. The Lord has avenged my Lord the king this day on Saul and on his offspring.””
2 Samuel 4:1-2, 5-8 ESV David’s complicated life just took a dramatic turn. Ish-bosheth was the last surviving son of Saul. Now he was dead. Although this seems like it would be a good thing, David has consistently punished those who acted treacherously. In this way David gives the impression of being apart from the treachery. How do you make sure to keep yourself free from evil and sinful situations? May God give you wisdom as you serve in this complicated world. Pastor Tim
