2 Samuel 4:7
2 Samuel 4:7 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
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.
And when they came into the house, Ish-bosheth was stretched on his bed in his bedroom; and they made an attack on him and put him to death, and, cutting off his head, they took it with them and went by the road through the Arabah all night.
They had gone into the house while Ishbosheth was asleep on his bed in his bedroom. After stabbing and killing him, they cut off his head which they took with them, and they traveled all night by the Jordan Valley road.
For when they came into the house, he slept on his bed in his bed chamber, and they smote him, and slewe him, and beheaded him, and tooke his head, and gate them away through the plaine all the night.
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,
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.
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.
For 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.
They entered Ishbosheth’s bedroom, where he was sleeping. They killed him with their swords and cut off his head. They carried his head and walked all night through the Jordan River Valley.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 4:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 4:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
הַ/בַּ֗יִת
וְ/הֽוּא
שֹׁכֵ֤ב
עַל
מִטָּת/וֹ֙
בַּ/חֲדַ֣ר
מִשְׁכָּב֔/וֹ
וַ/יַּכֻּ֨/הוּ֙
וַ/יְמִתֻ֔/הוּ
וַ/יָּסִ֖ירוּ
אֶת
רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ
וַ/יִּקְחוּ֙
אֶת
רֹאשׁ֔/וֹ
וַ/יֵּֽלְכ֛וּ
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
הָ/עֲרָבָ֖ה
כָּל
הַ/לָּֽיְלָה
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/בַּ֗יִת
bayith
H1004
place
Art | N-ms
וְ/הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Conj | Pron
שֹׁכֵ֤ב
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מִטָּת/וֹ֙
miṭṭâh
H4296
bed
N-fs | Suff
בַּ/חֲדַ֣ר
cheder
H2315
chamber
Prep | N-ms
מִשְׁכָּב֔/וֹ
mishkâb
H4904
bed
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יַּכֻּ֨/הוּ֙
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
וַ/יְמִתֻ֔/הוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
וַ/יָּסִ֖ירוּ
çûwr
H5493
to turn aside
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יִּקְחוּ֙
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
רֹאשׁ֔/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
N-ms | Suff
וַ/יֵּֽלְכ֛וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
N-cs
הָ/עֲרָבָ֖ה
ʻărâbâh
H6160
plain
Art | N-fs
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/לָּֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 4:7
וַ/יָּבֹ֣אוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
הַ/בַּ֗יִת
bayith
H1004
"place"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וְ/הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
שֹׁכֵ֤ב
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מִטָּת/וֹ֙
miṭṭâh
H4296
"bed"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to a bed or couch, often used for sleeping or eating. In the Bible, it can also refer to a sofa or a bier for carrying the dead. It is a physical object for rest or relaxation.
Definition: couch, bed, bier
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), bier. See also: Genesis 47:31; 2 Kings 1:16; Psalms 6:7.
בַּ/חֲדַ֣ר
cheder
H2315
"chamber"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a private room or chamber, often the innermost part of a building. It is used in the Bible to describe a private space, like a bedroom or a parlour. The KJV translates it as 'inner chamber'.
Definition: chamber, room, parlour, innermost or inward part, within
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: ((bed) inner) chamber, innermost(-ward) part, parlour, [phrase] south, [idiom] within. See also: Genesis 43:30; 2 Chronicles 18:24; Psalms 105:30.
מִשְׁכָּב֔/וֹ
mishkâb
H4904
"bed"
N-ms | Suff
Mishkab refers to a bed, but can also mean sleep or even a bier. It's sometimes used to describe intimate relationships, as in Genesis. This word has various meanings depending on the context.
Definition: 1) a lying down, couch, bier, act of lying 1a) couch, bed 1b) act of lying, lying down or sleeping room, bedroom 1c) lying down (for sexual contact) Aramaic equivalent: mish.kav (מִשְׁכַּב "bed" H4903)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bed(-chamber), couch, lieth (lying) with. See also: Genesis 49:4; 2 Samuel 17:28; Psalms 4:5.
וַ/יַּכֻּ֨/הוּ֙
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
וַ/יְמִתֻ֔/הוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וַ/יָּסִ֖ירוּ
çûwr
H5493
"to turn aside"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.
Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed
Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רֹאשׁ֑/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
וַ/יִּקְחוּ֙
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
רֹאשׁ֔/וֹ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
וַ/יֵּֽלְכ֛וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
דֶּ֥רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
הָ/עֲרָבָ֖ה
ʻărâbâh
H6160
"plain"
Art | N-fs
The Arabah is a desert plain near the Jordan River, stretching to the Red Sea, and is often translated as wilderness or desert in the Bible. It is mentioned in books like Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Definition: § desert plain, steppe, desert, wilderness
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Arabah, champaign, desert, evening, heaven, plain, wilderness. See also H1026 (בֵּית הָעֲרָבָה). See also: Numbers 22:1; 1 Samuel 23:24; Psalms 68:5.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/לָּֽיְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Art | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 4:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 4:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 4:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 4:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:7
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:7
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 4:7
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:7
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 4:7
Context — The Murder of Ish-bosheth
5Now 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 the king was taking his midday nap.
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.” 9But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 14:11 | John’s head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother. |
| 2 | Mark 6:28–29 | The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother. When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 10:6–7 | Then Jehu wrote them a second letter and said: “If you are on my side, and if you will obey me, then bring the heads of your master’s sons to me at Jezreel by this time tomorrow.” Now the sons of the king, seventy in all, were being brought up by the leading men of the city. 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. |
2 Samuel 4:7 Summary
This verse describes the violent act of Rechab and Baanah, who killed Ish-bosheth while he was sleeping, and then cut off his head to bring to David, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 4:7. However, as we see in 2 Samuel 4:9, David did not condone their actions, and instead, trusted in God's sovereignty and redemption, as seen in Psalm 34:22. We can learn from this event that taking matters into our own hands and seeking to harm others is not pleasing to God, and that instead, we should trust in His plan and timing, as referenced in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God, we can find peace and redemption, even in difficult circumstances, as promised in Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rechab and Baanah kill Ish-bosheth?
Rechab and Baanah killed Ish-bosheth in an attempt to gain favor with David, as seen in 2 Samuel 4:8, but their actions were not justified and were actually condemned by David, as seen in 2 Samuel 4:9-12, referencing the Lord's redemption in Psalm 34:22.
What does the Arabah refer to in this verse?
The Arabah is a geographical region, a desert area, that Rechab and Baanah traveled through, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 4:7, similar to its mention in Deuteronomy 1:1, to get to David at Hebron.
How does this event relate to David's ascension to the throne?
This event shows that David's enemies were being removed, as prophesied in 1 Samuel 25:31, and it ultimately paved the way for David to become king over all Israel, as seen in 2 Samuel 5:1-5, fulfilling God's promise in 1 Samuel 16:13.
What can we learn from Rechab and Baanah's actions?
We can learn that taking matters into our own hands and seeking to harm others, even if we think it will gain us favor, is not pleasing to God, as seen in Proverbs 24:17-18, and will ultimately lead to judgment, as referenced in Romans 12:19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be trying to take matters into my own hands, rather than trusting in God's sovereignty?
- How can I balance my desire for justice with the need to trust in God's timing and methods, as seen in Psalm 37:7-9?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's redemption, as David did in 2 Samuel 4:9, and how can I apply that trust in practical ways?
- In what ways can I be a part of bringing about justice and righteousness in my community, while still trusting in God's ultimate plan, as mentioned in Isaiah 58:6-12?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 4:7
For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber,.... This is repeated to give a more particular account of the murder; though Abarbinel thinks they went in twice; when they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 4:7
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:7
Through the plain, i.e. in the way from Mahanaim to Hebron; which for the most part was a plain country.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:7
2 Samuel 4:7 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.Ver. 7. He lay on his bed.] Dreading no danger. So great need have we to commit ourselves to God, when we go to our rest, that whether we live or die, we may be his. They smote him, and slew him.] So do surfeiting and drunkenness slay the soul, saith Hugo, of the spiritual sleeper; taking away his heart.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:7
(7) Took his head.—There is no difficulty with the repetition in 2 Samuel 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., 2 Samuel 3:22-23, where Joab’s arrival is twice mentioned, and 2 Samuel 5:1-3, where the mention of the assembly at Hebron is repeated.) Through the plain.—As in 2 Samuel 2:29, the Arabah, or valley of the Jordan, the natural way from Mahanaim to Hebron.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 4:7
7. through the plain] By the way of the Arabah. See note on ch. 2 Samuel 2:29. From Mahanaim to Hebron was a distance of about 80 or 90 miles.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 4:7
7. Took his head — They probably carried it in a sack, in which they pretended to fetch wheat. They could not otherwise have well escaped at midday. Through the plain — The Jordan valley. See on 2 Samuel 2:29.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 4:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(John the Baptist Comes to Town) - Part 3 - Sermon That Cost a Preacher His Head by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the ministry of John the Baptist and the sermon that ultimately cost him his head. The sermon was about holiness, righteousness, and God's h |
|
John Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Matthew 23 by John Wesley | John Wesley expounds on Matthew 23, where Jesus criticizes the Pharisees and scribes for their hypocrisy and failure to embody the true spirit of the law. He highlights their outwa |