The assassination of Ish-bosheth, son of King Saul, is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Samuel 4. Ish-bosheth's reign over Israel followed the death of his father, Saul, and his brother Jonathan, in the battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa. His rule was marked by political instability and conflict with David, who was anointed king over Judah.

Background

Ish-bosheth, also known as Eshbaal, was installed as king over Israel by Abner, the commander of Saul's army, after Saul's death. His reign lasted for two years, during which he ruled from Mahanaim, east of the Jordan River. The kingdom was divided, with David reigning over Judah from Hebron. The tension between the house of Saul and the house of David was palpable, leading to a prolonged conflict.

The Assassination

The account of Ish-bosheth's assassination is found in 2 Samuel 4:5-7 :

"Now Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, set out and arrived at the house of Ish-bosheth in the heat of the day while he was taking his midday nap. They entered the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped away."

Rechab and Baanah, captains of raiding bands, took advantage of the political turmoil and sought to gain favor with David by killing Ish-bosheth. They entered his house under the pretense of collecting wheat and murdered him while he was resting. After the assassination, they beheaded Ish-bosheth and brought his head to David in Hebron, expecting a reward for their deed.

David's Response

David's reaction to the assassination was one of righteous indignation. Instead of rewarding Rechab and Baanah, David condemned their treachery. He viewed their act as murder of an innocent man in his own home. David's response is recorded in 2 Samuel 4:9-12 :

"But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, 'As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, when someone told me, "Look, Saul is dead," and thought he was bringing me good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news! How much more, when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed, should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!' So David commanded his young men, and they killed them. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies by the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in Abner’s tomb in Hebron."

David's actions demonstrated his commitment to justice and the sanctity of life, even in the midst of political rivalry. He refused to condone murder as a means to secure his kingdom, emphasizing his reliance on God's providence for deliverance and the establishment of his reign.

Theological Implications

The assassination of Ish-bosheth highlights the themes of divine justice and the moral integrity expected of God's anointed leaders. David's refusal to accept the murder of Ish-bosheth as a legitimate means to consolidate power underscores the biblical principle that God's purposes are not advanced through unrighteous acts. This event also serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God in the establishment of leadership, as David's rise to power was ultimately orchestrated by divine will rather than human machination.

Historical Context

The political landscape during Ish-bosheth's reign was characterized by division and strife. The northern tribes of Israel were loyal to the house of Saul, while Judah supported David. The assassination marked the end of Saul's dynasty and paved the way for the unification of Israel under David's rule. This transition was crucial in the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel, setting the stage for the Davidic covenant and the eventual coming of the Messiah through David's lineage.