2 Samuel 4

This chapter tells of the death of Ish-bosheth, which closes the lineage of Saul, save one. There always seems to be one.

2 Samuel 4

This chapter tells of the death of Ish-bosheth, which closes the lineage of Saul, save one. There always seems to be one. This one is Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth was five when his grandfather, Saul, and father, Jonathan, were killed. It was at this point he was crippled for life. His story is one of promises fulfilled for the sake of Jonathan. There will be more of this story later (2 Samuel 9.1–13; 16.1, 4; 19.24–30).  See our study of 2 Samuel 9.

Today’s story is about two leaders of Ish-bosheth’s army. When they heard that Abner died and that Ish-bosheth became ill bringing down the morale of the nation, they thought their best interest was to assassinate Ish-bosheth. They then take the head to David thinking, as did the Amalekite in chapter one, that they would be rewarded for killing David’s enemy. They did not realize that David did not consider Saul his enemy but his king. To kill a member of Saul’s family was treason. So, he had the two men killed.

David knew his life was still under God’s protection and no harm would befall him under that care. He had no reason to kill Ish-bosheth. Do we see our life like that? Are we standing on the promises of God?

Have religious wars started for the same reasons we have seen in these chapters? Where is God in all this? He surely is not behind them.

Author: Pastor David

David R Williamson is the founder of Teach for God Ministries. He holds degrees from Grace Bible College, Grand Canyon University, Grace Theological Seminary, and Walden University. David has been actively involved in ministry since 1979. He has ministered in various ministries from Sunday School teacher, Youth Pastor, to English Pastor in Taiwanese churches, including teaching ten years at the Junior High school level. Currently, David is teaching at Hillcrest Christian School at the High School level. He is also pulpit supply and retreat speaker for churches and other religious organizations. He is happily married to Karen with three children: Joshua, Kazlyn, and Joseph

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