As we read chapter 4, we come back to Saul’s son Ishbosheth, the king of Israel (for now). His distinction as king was solidified in II Samuel 2, when Abner made him king over Israel. But now, after Abner’s death, Ishbosheth is despondent. He is fearful and seems to have allowed himself to become inept. This situation was the same then as it is now: idleness and love for sleep create opportunity for the devil to come in and take advantage of our weaknesses. As Ishbosheth slumbers, two men who were captains of troops in his army came upon him and stabbed him in his stomach, killing him as he slept.
Then, seeking a reward, these two men take the head of Ishbosheth to David, saying, “Here is the head of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul your enemy, who sought your life; and the Lord has avenged my lord the king this day of Saul and his descendants.” David was upset at this. For one, he did not seem to agree that this was the work of the Lord. For another, he knew that it was an unjust and unjustified murder. Ishbosheth, although the son of a bad and sinful king, did nothing outright to deserve death. To these men, David cited the Amalekite that he had killed from chapter 2 when the man had brought news of the death of Saul. David says to them, “when someone told me, saying, ‘Look, Saul is dead,’ thinking to have brought good news, I arrested him and had him executed in Ziklag—the one who thought I would give him a reward for his news. How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous person in his own house on his bed? Therefore, shall I not now require his blood at your hand and remove you from the earth?”
These two men were killed and their corpses displayed to warn the rest of the surrounding population of the outcomes of such foolish actions. Ishbosheth’s head was buried in the tomb of his father, providing just honor after an unjust death.
In this chapter, David is faithful to God and righteousness. He is consistent, he is faithful, and he wants to do what is right. In the midst of the death of kings, nationwide tumult, and familial uncertainty, David remains faithful. Can we not also remain faithful in situations that are much less strenuous?
Monday Night Bible Study 