Background:
Ish-bosheth, also known as Eshbaal, was the son of King Saul and reigned as king over Israel for two years following the death of his father and brothers at the Battle of Mount Gilboa. His reign was marked by a power struggle with David, who had been anointed king over the tribe of Judah. Ish-bosheth's rule was largely supported by Abner, the commander of Saul's army, who initially set him up as king in Mahanaim (2 Samuel 2:8-10).

The Assassination:
The account of Ish-bosheth's assassination is recorded in 2 Samuel 4. After Abner's death, Ish-bosheth's position weakened significantly, leading to a sense of instability and fear within his kingdom. Two of Ish-bosheth's own captains, Baanah and Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, conspired against him. Taking advantage of the midday rest, they entered Ish-bosheth's house under the guise of collecting wheat and struck him down in his bed, beheading him (2 Samuel 4:5-7).

Motives and Actions:
Baanah and Rechab likely saw the assassination as an opportunity to gain favor with David, who was growing stronger and more influential. They brought Ish-bosheth's head to David at Hebron, expecting a reward for eliminating a rival to the throne. They presented the head to David, saying, "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" (2 Samuel 4:8).

David's Response:
Contrary to their expectations, David was not pleased with their actions. He viewed the assassination as an act of treachery and murder, not a service to his cause. David's response was swift and just, reflecting his respect for the anointed of the Lord and his commitment to righteousness. He ordered the execution of Baanah and Rechab, stating, "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 good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news!" (2 Samuel 4:9-10). David then commanded that the hands and feet of the assassins be cut off and their bodies hung by the pool in Hebron, while Ish-bosheth's head was buried in Abner's tomb (2 Samuel 4:11-12).

Theological Implications:
The assassination of Ish-bosheth highlights the themes of divine justice and the sanctity of God's anointed. David's reaction underscores the principle that God's purposes are not to be advanced through unrighteous means. The narrative also illustrates the sovereignty of God in establishing David's kingship, as David ascends to the throne not through human schemes but through divine providence. The episode serves as a reminder of the moral and ethical standards expected of those who serve God's purposes, emphasizing that the ends do not justify the means.