2 Samuel4
English Standard Version
Tap any underlined word for the original Hebrew or Greek.
1 When Ish-bosheth, , that had at , his , and all was .
2 Now who were of raiding ; the of the was , and the of the , of a of from ( for also is part of ;
3 the to and have been there to this ).
4 , the of , had a who was in his . He was when the about and from , and his and , and as she in her , he and . And his was .
5 Now the of the , and , , and about the of the they to the of as he was his .
6 And they into the of the as if to , and they him in the . Then and his .
7 When they into the , as he on his in his , they him and and him. They his and by the of the all ,
8 and the of to at . And they to the , Here is the of , the of , your , who your . The Lord my the this on and on his .
9 But and his , the of the , As the Lord , who has my out of every ,
10 when one me, Behold, is , and thought he was good , I him and him at , which was the reward I him for his .
11 How much more, when have a in his own on his , shall I not now his at your and you from the ?
12 And his , and they them and their and and them beside the at . But they the of and it in the of at .
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2 Samuel 4Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Samuel 4. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Ishbosheth murdered. (1–7). David puts to death the murderers. (8–12).
vv1-7
See how Ishbosheth was murdered! When those difficulties dispirit us, which should sharpen our endeavours, we betray both our heavenly crowns and our earthly lives. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty and ruin. The idle soul is an easy prey to the destroyer. We know not when and where death will meet us. When we lie down to sleep, we are not sure that we may not sleep the sleep of death before we awake; nor do we know from what hand the death-blow may come.
vv8-12
A person may be glad to obtain his just wishes, and yet really regret the means by which he receives them. He may be sorry for the death of a person by which he is a gainer. These men shed innocent blood, from the basest motives. David justly executed vengeance upon them. He would not be beholden to any to help him by unlawful practices. God had helped him over many a difficulty, and through many a danger, therefore he depended upon him to crown and complete his own work. He speaks of his redemption from all adversity, as a thing done; though he had many storms yet before him, he knew that He who had delivered, would deliver.
Key Words
שָׁאוּל: Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites
בֵּן: a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc., (like father or brother), etc.)
שָׁמַע: to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אַבְנֵר: Abner, an Israelite
מוּת: to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
חֶבְרוֹן: Chebron, a place in Palestine, also the name of two Israelites
יָד: a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),
רָפָה: to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
יִשְׂרָאֵל: Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בָּהַל: to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e. (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously
Cross References
2 Samuel 4David recalls the Amalekite's execution at Ziklag to warn Ish-bosheth's opportunistic murderers.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Establishes that Beeroth of Benjamin was historically reckoned within Benjaminite territory.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Explains why the Beerothites fled to Gittaim following Saul's defeat at Gilboa.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Mephibosheth's lameness is introduced here, crucial for explaining his political disqualification.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Prophetic parallel for hands becoming feeble and hearts melting in terror.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Verbal parallel where the weakening of hands denotes a total loss of courage.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Confirms Mephibosheth's alternate name, Merib-baal, in the Benjaminite genealogies.
Supported by Matthew Poole
David uses the same oath formula, praising God for redeeming his soul from adversity.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallels the murderers' language regarding Saul's relentless search for David's life.
Supported by Matthew Poole
David exposes executed criminals to public view, similar to the hanging of Saul's sons.
Supported by JFB