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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_samuel/3-39.htm" title="2 Samuel 3:39">◄</a> 2 Samuel 4:1 <a href="/2_samuel/4-2.htm" title="2 Samuel 4:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When Ish-Bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel became alarmed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, heard about Abner’s death at Hebron, he lost all courage, and all Israel became paralyzed with fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_samuel/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, heard that Abner had died at Hebron, his courage failed, and all Israel was dismayed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now when Ish-bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel was dismayed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When Saul’s son heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost heart, and all Israel was troubled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now when Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, heard that Abner had died in Hebron, his courage failed, and all Israel was horrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now when Ish-bosheth, Saul&#8217s son, heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel was disturbed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now when Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel was disturbed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_samuel/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son heard that Abner had died in Hebron. And he lost courage, and all Israel was dismayed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_samuel/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When Saul’s son Ish-bosheth [king of Israel], heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel was horrified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_samuel/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Saul’s son Ish-bosheth heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he gave up, and all Israel was dismayed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When Saul&#8217s son Ish-bosheth heard that Abner had died in Hebron, his courage failed, and all Israel was dismayed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_samuel/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And when Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands became feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_samuel/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Ishbosheth felt like giving up after he heard that Abner had died in Hebron. Everyone in Israel was terrified. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_samuel/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And when Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands became feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_samuel/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When Saul's son Ishbosheth heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost his courage, and all Israel was alarmed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_samuel/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When Saul's son Ishbosheth heard that Abner had been killed in Hebron, he was afraid, and all the people of Israel were alarmed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_samuel/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When Saul's son heard that Abner had died in Hebron, his courage failed and all of Israel was disturbed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_samuel/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now when Ish-bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel was dismayed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_samuel/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When Ish-bosheth the son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he was very disheartened, and all Israel was afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_samuel/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now when Ishbaal, Saul's son, heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel was troubled. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_samuel/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_samuel/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When Saul’s son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands became feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the son of Saul hears that Abner [is] dead in Hebron, and his hands are feeble, and all of Israel has been troubled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_samuel/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the son of Saul heareth that Abner is dead in Hebron, and his hands are feeble, and all Israel have been troubled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_samuel/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Saul's son will hear that Abner died in Hebron, and his hands will be relaxed, and all Israel trembled.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_samuel/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Isboseth the son of Saul heard that Abner was slain in Hebron: and his hands were weakened, and all Israel was troubled. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, heard that Abner had fallen in Hebron. And his hands were weakened, and all of Israel was troubled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_samuel/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When Ishbaal, son of Saul, heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, he lost his resolve and all Israel was alarmed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When Saul’s son Ishbaal heard that Abner had died at Hebron, his courage failed, and all Israel was dismayed.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />WHEN Ashbashul Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, he trembled, and all Israel was troubled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Ashbashul, son of Shaul, heard that Abnir was dead in Khebruun, and their hands were paralyzed, and all Israel were troubled<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/2_samuel/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands became feeble, and all the Israelites were affrighted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/2_samuel/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jebosthe the son of Saul heard that Abenner the son of Ner had died in Chebron; and his hands were paralyzed, and all the men of Israel grew faint.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_samuel/4-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=1017" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/4.htm">The Murder of Ish-bosheth</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">Now when Ish-bosheth son</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">of Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: way·yiš·ma‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/74.htm" title="74: ’aḇ·nêr (N-proper-ms) -- My father is a lamp, an Isr. name. Or nabiyner; from 'ab and niyr; father of light; Abner, an Israelite.">Abner</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: mêṯ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">had died</a> <a href="/hebrew/2275.htm" title="2275: bə·ḥeḇ·rō·wn (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- From cheber; seat of association; Chebron, a place in Palestine, also the name of two Israelites.">in Hebron,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7503.htm" title="7503: way·yir·pū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- Sink, relax. A primitive root; to slacken.">he lost</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏāw (N-fdc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">courage,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/926.htm" title="926: niḇ·hā·lū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To disturb, terrify. A primitive root; to tremble inwardly, i.e. be alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously.">was dismayed.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>Saul’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,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">2 Samuel 2:8-11</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. / Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned for two years. The house of Judah, however, followed David. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-1.htm">2 Samuel 3:1</a></span><br />Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-1.htm">2 Samuel 5:1-3</a></span><br />Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And to you the LORD said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where King David made with them a covenant before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">1 Samuel 31:1-6</a></span><br />Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-16.htm">1 Samuel 28:16-19</a></span><br />“Why do you consult me,” asked Samuel, “since the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? / He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David. / Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out His burning anger against Amalek, the LORD has done this to you today. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-10.htm">1 Kings 2:10-12</a></span><br />Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. / The length of David’s reign over Israel was forty years—seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. / So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/10-1.htm">1 Chronicles 10:1-6</a></span><br />Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. / The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. / When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/11-1.htm">1 Chronicles 11:1-3</a></span><br />Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/12-23.htm">1 Chronicles 12:23-40</a></span><br />Now these are the numbers of men armed for battle who came to David at Hebron to turn Saul’s kingdom over to him, in accordance with the word of the LORD: / From Judah: 6,800 armed troops bearing shields and spears. / From Simeon: 7,100 mighty men of valor, ready for battle. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/89-20.htm">Psalm 89:20-29</a></span><br />I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him. / My hand will sustain him; surely My arm will strengthen him. / No enemy will exact tribute; no wicked man will oppress him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-1.htm">Matthew 1:1-6</a></span><br />This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: / Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. / Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-41.htm">Matthew 22:41-46</a></span><br />While the Pharisees were assembled, Jesus questioned them: / “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” “David’s,” they answered. / Jesus said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord’? For he says: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-32.htm">Luke 1:32-33</a></span><br />He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, / and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-68.htm">Luke 1:68-70</a></span><br />“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has visited and redeemed His people. / He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, / as He spoke through His holy prophets, those of ages past,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-42.htm">John 7:42</a></span><br />Doesn’t the Scripture say that the Christ will come from the line of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.</p><p class="hdg">his hands</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/17-2.htm">2 Samuel 17:2</a></b></br> And I will come upon him while he <i>is</i> weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that <i>are</i> with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/4-4.htm">Ezra 4:4</a></b></br> Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/6-9.htm">Nehemiah 6:9</a></b></br> For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, <i>O God</i>, strengthen my hands.</p><p class="hdg">and all</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/2-2.htm">Matthew 2:2,3</a></b></br> Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/3-37.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-9.htm">Courage</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-31.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-33.htm">Died</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-11.htm">Dismayed</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-3.htm">Disturbed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-18.htm">Enfeebled</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-37.htm">Failed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-32.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-34.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-28.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-28.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-32.htm">Hebron</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-15.htm">Ishbosheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-15.htm">Ish-Bosheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-15.htm">Ish-Bo'sheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-38.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-7.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-20.htm">Lost</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-23.htm">News</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-14.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-14.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">Troubled</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/4-12.htm">Abner</a> <a href="/job/4-5.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-27.htm">Courage</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-10.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-7.htm">Died</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-26.htm">Dismayed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-10.htm">Disturbed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/7-27.htm">Enfeebled</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-39.htm">Failed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-2.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-12.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-17.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-17.htm">Heareth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-8.htm">Hebron</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-2.htm">Ishbosheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-5.htm">Ish-Bosheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-5.htm">Ish-Bo'sheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-6.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-25.htm">Lost</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-4.htm">News</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-4.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-2.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-10.htm">Troubled</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/4-1.htm">The Israelites being troubled at the death of Abner</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/4-2.htm">Baanah and Rechab slay Ish-Bosheth, and bring his head to Hebron</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_samuel/4-9.htm">David causes them to be slain, and Ish-Bosheth's head to be buried.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_samuel/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Now when Ish-bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron</b><br>Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, was a puppet king set up by Abner, Saul's military commander, after Saul's death. Abner's death in Hebron, a city of refuge and a significant location in Judah, marked a turning point in the power dynamics of Israel. Hebron was also where David was anointed king over Judah, highlighting the contrast between David's divine appointment and Ish-bosheth's reliance on human support. Abner's death removed the main support for Ish-bosheth's reign, indicating the fragility of his kingship.<p><b>he lost courage</b><br>Ish-bosheth's loss of courage reflects his dependence on Abner for leadership and strength. Without Abner, Ish-bosheth lacked the political and military acumen to maintain his rule. This phrase underscores the theme of human weakness and the futility of relying on human power rather than divine guidance. It contrasts with David, who often sought the Lord's counsel and strength.<p><b>and all Israel was dismayed</b><br>The dismay of all Israel indicates the widespread uncertainty and instability following Abner's death. This dismay can be seen as a fulfillment of the prophecy that the kingdom would be torn from Saul's house and given to David (<a href="/1_samuel/15-28.htm">1 Samuel 15:28</a>). The people's reaction also foreshadows the eventual unification of Israel under David's rule, as they recognize the need for a strong, divinely appointed leader. This moment of dismay sets the stage for David's eventual acceptance as king over all Israel, aligning with God's covenant promises.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/ish-bosheth.htm">Ish-bosheth</a></b><br>The son of Saul, who was made king over Israel after Saul's death. His name means "man of shame" in Hebrew, reflecting his troubled reign.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, whose death led to a power struggle between his house and David's.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/abner.htm">Abner</a></b><br>The commander of Saul's army and a significant power broker in Israel. His death marked a turning point in the struggle for the throne.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/hebron.htm">Hebron</a></b><br>A city of refuge and the place where Abner was killed. It was also David's initial capital before he moved to Jerusalem.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation experiencing political instability and fear due to the leadership vacuum and ongoing conflict between the house of Saul and David.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fragility_of_human_leadership.htm">The Fragility of Human Leadership</a></b><br>Human leaders, like Abner, can be taken away suddenly, leaving a void and causing fear. Our ultimate trust should be in God, who is unchanging and sovereign.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_fear.htm">The Consequences of Fear</a></b><br>Ish-bosheth's loss of courage demonstrates how fear can paralyze and dismay a nation. Believers are called to find strength and courage in God, even in uncertain times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_godly_leadership.htm">The Importance of Godly Leadership</a></b><br>The instability in Israel highlights the need for leaders who seek God's guidance. As Christians, we should pray for and support leaders who align with biblical principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_plan.htm">God's Sovereign Plan</a></b><br>Despite the chaos and fear, God's plan for David to become king was unfolding. We can trust that God is working out His purposes, even when circumstances seem dire.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/1_chron_18_4_vs_2_sam_8_4__7,000_or_1,700.htm">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?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_142_4_align_with_1_sam_22_2.htm">Psalm 142:4 shows David claiming no one cares for him--how does this reconcile with 1 Samuel 22:2, where he has loyal followers?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_chr_10_4_and_2_sam_1_10.htm">How can 1 Chronicles 10's account that Saul died by falling on his own sword (1 Chronicles 10:4) be reconciled with 2 Samuel 1:10, where an Amalekite claims to have killed him?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_david_justify_punishing_killers.htm">2 Samuel 4:8-11 - How can David both punish the men for killing Ishbosheth and still claim God's hand in his rise to power without contradiction?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_samuel/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>IV.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">All the Israelites were troubled.</span>--The death of Abner affected both Ish-bosheth and his people. For the former, "his hands were feeble," the whole support and strength of his throne being gone; the latter were "troubled" because they had been carrying on negotiations with David through Abner, and these were now thrown into confusion, and it became uncertain how they might result.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/4-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Now when [Ish-bosheth] son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֗וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heard</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·ma‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abner</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְנֵר֙</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·nêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_74.htm">Strong's 74: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abner -- 'my father is a lamp', an Israelite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had died</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵ֤ת</span> <span class="translit">(mêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Hebron,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּחֶבְר֔וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḥeḇ·rō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2275.htm">Strong's 2275: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hebron -- 'association, league', a city in southern Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he lost</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּרְפּ֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yir·pū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7503.htm">Strong's 7503: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sink, relax</span><br /><br /><span class="word">courage,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדָ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and all</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was dismayed.</span><br /><span class="heb">נִבְהָֽלוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(niḇ·hā·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_926.htm">Strong's 926: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tremble inwardly, be, alarmed, agitated, to hasten anxiously</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/4-1.htm">2 Samuel 4:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_samuel/4-1.htm">2 Samuel 4:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_samuel/4-1.htm">2 Samuel 4:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_samuel/4-1.htm">2 Samuel 4:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_samuel/4-1.htm">2 Samuel 4:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/4-1.htm">2 Samuel 4:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/4-1.htm">2 Samuel 4:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/4-1.htm">2 Samuel 4:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/4-1.htm">2 Samuel 4:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_samuel/4-1.htm">2 Samuel 4:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_samuel/4-1.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 4:1 When Ishbosheth Saul's son heard that Abner (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/3-39.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 3:39"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 3:39" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/4-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 4:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 4:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>