2 Samuel 4:1
2 Samuel 4:1 in Multiple Translations
Now when Ish-bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel was dismayed.
And when Saul’s son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
And when Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands became feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
And when Saul's son Ish-bosheth had news that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands became feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
When Ishbosheth, son of Saul, heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he was very discouraged, and everyone in Israel was shocked.
And when Sauls sonne heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, then his handes were feeble, and all Israel was afraide,
And the son of Saul heareth that Abner [is] dead in Hebron, and his hands are feeble, and all Israel have been troubled.
When Saul’s son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands became feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.
And Isboseth the son of Saul heard that Abner was slain in Hebron: and his hands were weakened, and all Israel was troubled.
When Saul’s son Ishbosheth heard that Abner had been killed at Hebron, he realized that he might also be killed. He became discouraged, and all the Israeli people ◄trembled/became afraid►.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 4:1
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2 Samuel 4:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 4:1
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 4:1
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 4:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 4:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 4:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:1
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:1
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 4:1
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:1
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 4:1
Context — The Murder of Ish-bosheth
1Now when Ish-bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel was dismayed.
2Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties. One was named Baanah and the other Rechab; they were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite of the tribe of Benjamin—Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin, 3because the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have lived there as foreigners to this day.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 4:4 | Then the people of the land set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to build. |
| 2 | Isaiah 13:7 | Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man’s heart will melt. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 6:24 | We have heard the report; our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 6:9 | For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 17:2 | I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king |
| 6 | Matthew 2:2–3 | asking, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 50:43 | The king of Babylon has heard the report, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 3:27 | When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel. |
| 9 | Zephaniah 3:16 | On that day they will say to Jerusalem: “Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands fall limp. |
| 10 | Isaiah 35:3 | Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees! |
2 Samuel 4:1 Summary
This verse tells us that when Ish-bosheth heard about Abner's death, he lost his courage and all of Israel was dismayed. This means that Ish-bosheth was relying on Abner for his sense of security and when Abner was gone, he felt scared and unsure. This is similar to how we might feel when we face difficult circumstances, but as followers of Jesus, we can trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:4. We can remember that God is always with us, even in uncertain times, and that He is our rock and our salvation, as seen in Psalm 18:2 and Psalm 46:1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ish-bosheth lose courage when he heard about Abner's death?
Ish-bosheth lost courage because Abner was a key leader and ally, and without him, Ish-bosheth felt vulnerable and uncertain about his future, as seen in the impact of Abner's death on Israel in 2 Samuel 4:1, similar to how the death of a leader can affect a nation, as noted in 1 Samuel 31:1-7.
What was the state of Israel after Abner's death?
Israel was dismayed after Abner's death, indicating a sense of fear, uncertainty, and confusion among the people, similar to the emotional state of the Israelites after the death of King Saul in 1 Samuel 31:1-7, and the emotional state of the disciples after Jesus' death in John 20:19-20.
How did Abner's death affect Ish-bosheth's leadership?
Abner's death significantly weakened Ish-bosheth's leadership, as Abner was a strong military leader who had previously pledged his loyalty to Ish-bosheth, as seen in 2 Samuel 3:6-21, and his death left a power vacuum that others would seek to exploit, much like the power struggle after the death of King Saul in 2 Samuel 2:8-17.
What does this verse reveal about the character of Ish-bosheth?
This verse suggests that Ish-bosheth was a leader who relied heavily on others, such as Abner, for his sense of security and courage, and when that support was removed, he became fearful and uncertain, as seen in 2 Samuel 4:1, highlighting the importance of strong faith and trust in God, as encouraged in Psalm 23:4 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Ish-bosheth, may be relying on others or earthly circumstances for my sense of security and courage, rather than trusting in God?
- How can I, as a follower of Jesus, cultivate a deeper sense of trust and faith in God's sovereignty, even in uncertain or difficult circumstances, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:4?
- In what ways can I, like Abner, be a source of strength and encouragement to others, and how can I use my gifts and talents to build up and support those around me, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 and Galatians 5:13?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be feeling 'dismayed' or uncertain, and how can I seek God's guidance and comfort in those areas, as seen in Psalm 34:4-7 and Isaiah 41:10?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 4:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 4:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:1
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:1
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:1
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 4:1
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:1
Sermons on 2 Samuel 4:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(2 Samuel) How to Love an Enemy by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the events described in 2 Samuel chapter 4. The chapter begins with the news of Abner's death, which causes Saul's son to lose heart and tro |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.5 & 6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being spiritually violent in pursuing God's purposes. He references Matthew 11:12, where Jesus says that the kingdom of he |
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Bible Survey - Ezra by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Ezra, a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, who led the second expedition from Babylon to reinforce and inspire the struggling Judeans in rebu |
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We Travel an Appointed Way by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God's calling, as exemplified by Nehemiah, who rose from his sorrow to rebuild Jerusalem despite ridicule and opposition. |
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The Father's Business by Victor Maxwell | Victor Maxwell preaches on the importance of being about our Father's business, drawing from the example of Jesus at a young age who was already aware of His identity and mission. |
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How Do We Maintain Joy? by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that the joy of the Lord is our strength, as illustrated in Nehemiah 8:10, where the Israelites, after returning from Babylonian captivity, were captivat |
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Nehemiah 6:9 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes that the believer's strength comes from God, highlighting the necessity of relying on divine power rather than personal strength. He illustrates this through |







