Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They had gone into the house while he was lying on the bed in his bedroom. After they stabbed and killed him, they cut off his head. Taking it with them, they traveled all night by way of the Arabah. New Living Translation They went into the house and found Ishbosheth sleeping on his bed. They struck and killed him and cut off his head. Then, taking his head with them, they fled across the Jordan Valley through the night. English Standard Version 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, 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. Berean Literal Bible And they came into the house, and he was lying on his bed in his bedroom, and they struck him and killed him and beheaded him, and they took his head and were escaping by way of the plain all the night. King James Bible 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. New King James Version For when they came into the house, he was lying on his bed in his bedroom; then they struck him and killed him, beheaded him and took his head, and were all night escaping through the plain. New American Standard Bible Now when they had come into the house, as he was lying on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him and killed him, and they beheaded him. And they took his head and traveled by way of the Arabah all night. NASB 1995 Now when they came into the house, as he was lying on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him and killed him and beheaded him. And they took his head and traveled by way of the Arabah all night. NASB 1977 Now when they came into the house, as he was lying on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him and killed him and beheaded him. And they took his head and traveled by way of the Arabah all night. Legacy Standard Bible Thus they came into the house, as he was lying on his bed in his bedroom, and they struck him and put him to death and beheaded him. And they took his head and went on the way leading to the Arabah all night. Amplified Bible Now when they entered the house he was lying on his bed in his bedroom. They [not only] struck and killed him, [but] they also beheaded him. Then they took his head and traveled all night by way of the Arabah. Berean Annotated 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. Christian Standard Bible They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed in his bedroom and stabbed and killed him. They removed his head, took it, and traveled by way of the Arabah all night. Holman Christian Standard Bible They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed in his bedroom and stabbed and killed him. Then they beheaded him, took his head, and traveled by way of the Arabah all night. 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. English Revised 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation (They had come into the house while Ishbosheth was sleeping on his bed in his bedroom. They stabbed him, killed him, and cut off his head.) They took his head and traveled all night along the road to the plains. Good News Translation Once inside, they went to Ishbosheth's bedroom, where he was sound asleep, and killed him. Then they cut off his head, took it with them, and walked all night through the Jordan Valley. International Standard Version While they were in the house, they struck him, killed him, and cut off his head while he was lying on his bed in his bedroom. They took his head, and traveled all night along the Arabah road. NET Bible They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was resting on his bed in his bedroom. They mortally wounded him and then cut off his head. Taking his head, they traveled on the way of the Arabah all that night. New Heart English Bible And they went into the house where he was lying on his bed in his bedchamber. And they struck him and killed him, and beheaded him. And they took his head and went by the way of the Arabah all night. Webster's Bible Translation For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bed-chamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and went away through the plain all night. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey 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. World English Bible Now when they came into the house as he lay on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him, killed him, beheaded him, and took his head, and went by the way of the Arabah all night. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionindeed, they come into the house, and he is lying on his bed, in the inner part of his bed-chamber, and they strike him, and put him to death, and turn his head aside, and they take his head, and go the way of the plain all the night, Berean Literal Bible And they came into the house, and he was lying on his bed in his bedroom, and they struck him and killed him and beheaded him, and they took his head and were escaping by way of the plain all the night. Young's Literal Translation yea, they come in to the house, and he is lying on his bed, in the inner part of his bed-chamber, and they smite him, and put him to death, and turn aside his head, and they take his head, and go the way of the plain all the night, Smith's Literal Translation And they will come to the house, and he will lie upon his couch in his bed-chamber, and they will strike him and kill him, and take away his head, and they will take his head and go the way of the sterile region all night. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor when they came into the house, be was sleeping upon his bed in a parlour, and they struck him and killed him: and taking away his head they went off by the way of the wilderness, walking all night. Catholic Public Domain Version For when they had entered the house, he was sleeping on his bed in a closed room. And striking him, they killed him. And taking his head, they departed by the way of the desert, walking throughout the night. New American Bible and entered the house while Ishbaal was lying asleep in his bedroom. They struck and killed him, and cut off his head. Then, taking the head, they traveled on the Arabah road all night long. New Revised Standard Version Now they had come into the house while he was lying on his couch in his bedchamber; they attacked him, killed him, and beheaded him. Then they took his head and traveled by way of the Arabah all night long. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor when they came into the house, he was lying on his bed in his bedchamber, and they smote him and slew him and beheaded him, and took his head and fled by the way of the plain all night. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they had come to the house and he was asleep on his bed in the bedroom where he slept, and they struck him and killed him and took his head, and they went on the road of Arabah all night OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now when they came into the house, as he lay on his bed in his bed-chamber, they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and went by the way of the Arabah all night. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Jebosthe was sleeping on his bed in his chamber: and they smite him, and slay him, and take off his head: and they took his head, and went all the night by the western road. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Murder of Ish-bosheth…6They entered the interior of the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped away. 7They 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. 8They brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron and said to the king, “Here is the head of Ish-bosheth son of Saul, your enemy who sought your life. Today the LORD has granted vengeance to my lord the king against Saul and his offspring.”… Cross References They had entered the house 1 Kings 16:9-10 However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him. / So in the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Zimri went in, struck Elah down, and killed him. And Zimri reigned in his place. 2 Kings 12:20 And the servants of Joash rose up and formed a conspiracy and killed him at Beth-millo, on the road down to Silla. 2 Kings 21:23-24 Then the servants of Amon conspired against him and killed the king in his palace. / But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against King Amon, and they made his son Josiah king in his place. while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed, 2 Kings 8:15 But the next day Hazael took a thick cloth, dipped it in water, and spread it over the king’s face. So Ben-hadad died, and Hazael reigned in his place. 2 Kings 20:1 In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Put your house in order, for you are about to die; you will not recover.’” and having stabbed and killed him, Judges 3:21-22 And Ehud reached with his left hand, pulled the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly. / Even the handle sank in after the blade, and Eglon’s fat closed in over it, so that Ehud did not withdraw the sword from his belly. And Eglon’s bowels emptied. 2 Samuel 20:10 Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri. 2 Kings 15:10 Then Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against Zechariah, struck him down and killed him in front of the people, and reigned in his place. they beheaded him, 1 Samuel 17:51 David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. 1 Samuel 31:9 They cut off Saul’s head, stripped off his armor, and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines to proclaim the news in the temples of their idols and among their people. 2 Samuel 20:22 Then the woman went to all the people with her wise counsel, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bichri and threw it to Joab. So he blew the ram’s horn and his men dispersed from the city, each to his own home. And Joab returned to the king in Jerusalem. took his head, 1 Samuel 17:54 David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, and he put Goliath’s weapons in his own tent. 2 Kings 10:7-8 And when the letter arrived, they took the sons of the king and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu at Jezreel. / When the messenger arrived, he told Jehu, “They have brought the heads of the sons of the king.” And Jehu ordered, “Pile them in two heaps at the entrance of the gate until morning.” and traveled all night by way of the Arabah. 1 Samuel 31:12 all their men of valor set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. When they arrived at Jabesh, they burned the bodies there. 2 Samuel 2:29 And all that night Abner and his men marched through the Arabah. They crossed the Jordan, marched all morning, and arrived at Mahanaim. Deuteronomy 2:8 So we passed by our brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. We turned away from the Arabah road, which comes up from Elath and Ezion-geber, and traveled along the road of the Wilderness of Moab. Treasury of Scripture 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 got them away through the plain all night. took his head 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. 1 Samuel 31:9 And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people. 2 Kings 10:6,7 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… Jump to Previous Arabah Attack Bed Bedchamber Bed-Chamber Bedroom Beheaded Cut Cutting Death Gat Head House Inner Ish-Bosheth Killed Lay Night Part Plain Slew Smote Stabbed Stretched Struck WayJump to Next Arabah Attack Bed Bedchamber Bed-Chamber Bedroom Beheaded Cut Cutting Death Gat Head House Inner Ish-Bosheth Killed Lay Night Part Plain Slew Smote Stabbed Stretched Struck Way2 Samuel 4 1. The Israelites being troubled at the death of Abner2. Baanah and Rechab slay Ish-Bosheth, and bring his head to Hebron 9. David causes them to be slain, and Ish-Bosheth's head to be buried. They had entered the house This phrase indicates a breach of security and trust, as the perpetrators gained access to Ish-bosheth's private quarters. In ancient Near Eastern culture, entering someone's house, especially a royal residence, without permission was a significant violation. This act foreshadows the betrayal and treachery that follows. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. Ish-boshethThe son of Saul and a king of Israel, who reigned over the northern tribes after Saul's death. His reign was marked by instability and conflict with David, who was king over Judah. 2. Rechab and Baanah The sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, who were captains in Ish-bosheth's army. They betrayed and murdered Ish-bosheth, seeking favor with David. 3. The House of Ish-bosheth The location where Ish-bosheth was murdered. It symbolizes the vulnerability and eventual downfall of Saul's house. 4. The Arabah A desert region through which Rechab and Baanah traveled after committing the murder. It represents the desolate and secretive path they took to deliver Ish-bosheth's head to David. 5. David The anointed king of Israel, who was ruling over Judah at the time. His response to the murder of Ish-bosheth is significant in understanding his character and leadership. Teaching Points The Consequences of BetrayalRechab and Baanah's actions demonstrate the destructive nature of betrayal and the misguided belief that evil deeds can lead to personal gain. Respect for God's Anointed David's consistent respect for Saul's house, despite their enmity, teaches us the importance of honoring God's chosen leaders and trusting in His timing. The Sovereignty of God The fall of Ish-bosheth and the rise of David illustrate God's sovereign plan in establishing His chosen king, reminding us to trust in His divine purposes. The Dangers of Ambition The ambition of Rechab and Baanah led to their downfall, serving as a warning against seeking power through unrighteous means. Justice and Righteousness David's response to the murder of Ish-bosheth underscores the importance of justice and righteousness in leadership, as he refused to reward wickedness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 4:7?2. How does 2 Samuel 4:7 illustrate the consequences of betrayal and murder? 3. What can we learn about God's justice from 2 Samuel 4:7? 4. How does 2 Samuel 4:7 connect to the commandment "You shall not murder"? 5. How should Christians respond to injustice, as seen in 2 Samuel 4:7? 6. What does 2 Samuel 4:7 teach about respecting God's anointed leaders? 7. Why did Rechab and Baanah kill Ish-bosheth in 2 Samuel 4:7? 8. How does 2 Samuel 4:7 reflect on the morality of political power struggles? 9. What does 2 Samuel 4:7 reveal about God's justice in the Old Testament? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 4? 11. What does the Bible say about brain injury? 12. What happened between David and Ish-bosheth? 13. In 1 Chronicles 18:4, how do we reconcile the figure of 7,000 horsemen with 2 Samuel 8:4, which mentions 1,700 instead? 14. 2 Samuel 4:5-7 - If God intended David to become king, why would these assassins be condemned for eliminating Ishbosheth, who was hindering David's rule? What Does 2 Samuel 4:7 Mean They had entered the house“They had entered the house” (2 Samuel 4:7) shows Recab and Baanah slipping past guards and servants to reach the sleeping king. The writer records the act plainly, underscoring both men’s deliberate choice and God’s sovereign observation of every deed (Proverbs 15:3). Their entry recalls other clandestine intrusions—Ehud into Eglon’s private chamber (Judges 3:20) and Joab into the gate to murder Abner (2 Samuel 3:27). In each case, treachery rather than open battle marks the crime, contrasting with David’s refusal to kill Saul even when the opportunity seemed easy (1 Samuel 24:4–7). while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed The king’s afternoon rest (2 Samuel 4:5) exposes a tragic vulnerability. Scripture often portrays sleep as a gift of God (Psalm 4:8), yet here it becomes the setting for betrayal. Ish-bosheth’s position “on his bed” echoes Saul in the camp (1 Samuel 26:7) and King Elah in Tirzah (1 Kings 16:9)—leaders caught unaware because others around them lacked loyalty or godliness. The scene reminds us that earthly security is fragile apart from the Lord (Psalm 127:1). and having stabbed and killed him The blunt description—“stabbed and killed”—leaves no doubt: this is murder in cold blood, violating God’s enduring command, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Earlier Abner had fallen to Joab’s blade outside Hebron’s gate (2 Samuel 3:30); now Ish-bosheth dies similarly, fulfilling Samuel’s warning that Israel’s desired monarchy would bring sorrow (1 Samuel 8:11–18). Genesis 9:6 declares that shedding innocent blood demands accountability, a principle David will soon apply to the assassins (2 Samuel 4:11–12). they beheaded him Cutting off the head shifted the crime from assassination to calculated display. David had once removed Goliath’s head (1 Samuel 17:51) as proof of God’s victory; in contrast, Recab and Baanah seek personal reward. The Bible often links beheading to humiliation and public warning—Saul’s head fastened in Philistine temples (1 Chronicles 10:10) or John the Baptist’s head presented on a platter (Mark 6:27–28). Here it sets the stage for an appeal to David they believe will secure favor. took his head Carrying the head turns the king’s corpse into evidence of their deed. Like the Amalekite who brought Saul’s crown to David hoping for honor (2 Samuel 1:10), these brothers misjudge David’s heart. They overlook his consistent respect for God’s anointed (2 Samuel 1:14–16), revealing their own spiritual blindness. Scripture repeatedly contrasts worldly calculation with godly integrity (Proverbs 10:9; 11:18). and traveled all night by way of the Arabah The Arabah—Jordan’s rift valley—offered a swift, secluded southern route to Hebron (Joshua 12:1). Traveling “all night” underscores urgency and fear, paralleling Ahimaaz’s rapid run to bring news to David (2 Samuel 18:23). Darkness may conceal from men, yet Psalm 139:11–12 reminds us it hides nothing from God. Every step southward brought them closer to divine justice, not the reward they imagined. summary 2 Samuel 4:7 records a calculated act of treachery: stealthy entry, a defenseless king, a fatal stabbing, desecration through beheading, trophy-taking, and a frantic nighttime flight. Each phrase exposes human schemes and violence while quietly affirming God’s oversight and coming judgment. The verse warns against seeking advancement through sin, highlights the sanctity of life and of God-ordained authority, and prepares us for David’s righteous response that vindicates divine justice. (7) Took his head.--There is no difficulty with the repetition in 2Samuel 4:7 of what has been already mentioned inverse 6, for it is common in the Scripture narratives to repeat statements when any additional fact (as here, the carrying off of the head) is to be mentioned. (See, e.g., 2Samuel 3:22-23, where Joab's arrival is twice mentioned, and 2Samuel 5:1-3, where the mention of the assembly at Hebron is repeated.)Through the plain.--As in 2Samuel 2:29, the Arabah, or valley of the Jordan, the natural way from Mahanaim to Hebron. Hebrew They had enteredוַיָּבֹ֣אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go the house הַבַּ֗יִת (hab·ba·yiṯ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1004: A house while Ish-bosheth וְהֽוּא־ (wə·hū-) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are was lying שֹׁכֵ֤ב (šō·ḵêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7901: To lie down on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against his bed, מִטָּתוֹ֙ (miṭ·ṭā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4296: A bed, for, sleeping, eating, a sofa, litter, bier and having stabbed וַיַּכֻּ֙הוּ֙ (way·yak·ku·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 5221: To strike and killed him, וַיְמִתֻ֔הוּ (way·mi·ṯu·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 4191: To die, to kill they beheaded וַיָּסִ֖ירוּ (way·yā·sî·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5493: To turn aside him, רֹאשׁ֑וֹ (rō·šōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7218: The head took וַיִּקְחוּ֙ (way·yiq·ḥū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3947: To take his head, רֹאשׁ֔וֹ (rō·šōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 7218: The head and traveled וַיֵּֽלְכ֛וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every night הַלָּֽיְלָה׃ (hal·lā·yə·lāh) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity by way דֶּ֥רֶךְ (de·reḵ) Noun - common singular construct Strong's 1870: A road, a course of life, mode of action of the Arabah. הָעֲרָבָ֖ה (hā·‘ă·rā·ḇāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6160: Arabah -- a steppe or desert plain, also a desert valley running south from the Sea of Galilee Links 2 Samuel 4:7 NIV2 Samuel 4:7 NLT 2 Samuel 4:7 ESV 2 Samuel 4:7 NASB 2 Samuel 4:7 KJV 2 Samuel 4:7 BibleApps.com 2 Samuel 4:7 Biblia Paralela 2 Samuel 4:7 Chinese Bible 2 Samuel 4:7 French Bible 2 Samuel 4:7 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Samuel 4:7 Now when they came into the house (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) |
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