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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Samuel 4:7 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/4-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/10_2Sa_04_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Samuel 4:7 - The Murder of Ish-bosheth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_samuel/4-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_samuel/4-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/">2 Samuel</a> > <a href="/2_samuel/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.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/4-6.htm" title="2 Samuel 4:6">◄</a> 2 Samuel 4:7 <a href="/2_samuel/4-8.htm" title="2 Samuel 4:8">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/2_samuel/4.htm">New International Version</a> They had gone into the house while he was lying on the bed in his bedroom. After they stabbed and killed him, they cut off his head. Taking it with them, they traveled all night by way of the Arabah. <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> They went into the house and found Ishbosheth sleeping on his bed. They struck and killed him and cut off his head. Then, taking his head with them, they fled across the Jordan Valley through the night. <a href="/esv/2_samuel/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> When they came into the house, as he lay on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him and put him to death and beheaded him. They took his head and went by the way of the Arabah all night, <a href="/bsb/2_samuel/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/2_samuel/4.htm">New King James Version</a> For when they came into the house, he was lying on his bed in his bedroom; then they struck him and killed him, beheaded him and took his head, and were all night escaping through the plain. <a href="/nasb_/2_samuel/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now when they had come into the house, as he was lying on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him and killed him, and they beheaded him. And they took his head and traveled by way of the Arabah all night. <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now when they came into the house, as he was lying on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him and killed him and beheaded him. And they took his head and traveled by way of the Arabah all night. <a href="/nasb77/2_samuel/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now when they came into the house, as he was lying on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him and killed him and beheaded him. And they took his head and traveled by way of the Arabah all night. <a href="/lsb/2_samuel/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Thus they came into the house, as he was lying on his bed in his bedroom, and they struck him and put him to death and beheaded him. And they took his head and went on the way leading to the Arabah all night. <a href="/amp/2_samuel/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now when they entered the house he was lying on his bed in his bedroom. They [not only] struck and killed him, [but] they also beheaded him. Then they took his head and traveled all night by way of the Arabah. <a href="/csb/2_samuel/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed in his bedroom and stabbed and killed him. They removed his head, took it, and traveled by way of the Arabah all night. <a href="/hcsb/2_samuel/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed in his bedroom and stabbed and killed him. Then they beheaded him, took his head, and traveled by way of the Arabah all night. <a href="/asv/2_samuel/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/erv/2_samuel/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/2_samuel/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> (They had come into the house while Ishbosheth was sleeping on his bed in his bedroom. They stabbed him, killed him, and cut off his head.) They took his head and traveled all night along the road to the plains. <a href="/gnt/2_samuel/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Once inside, they went to Ishbosheth's bedroom, where he was sound asleep, and killed him. Then they cut off his head, took it with them, and walked all night through the Jordan Valley. <a href="/isv/2_samuel/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> While they were in the house, they struck him, killed him, and cut off his head while he was lying on his bed in his bedroom. They took his head, and traveled all night along the Arabah road. <a href="/msb/2_samuel/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/2_samuel/4.htm">NET Bible</a> They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was resting on his bed in his bedroom. They mortally wounded him and then cut off his head. Taking his head, they traveled on the way of the Arabah all that night. <a href="/nheb/2_samuel/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And they went into the house where he was lying on his bed in his bedchamber. And they struck him and killed him, and beheaded him. And they took his head and went by the way of the Arabah all night. <a href="/wbt/2_samuel/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/2_samuel/4.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_samuel/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> indeed, they come into the house, and he is lying on his bed, in the inner part of his bed-chamber, and they strike him, and put him to death, and turn his head aside, and they take his head, and go the way of the plain all the night, <a href="/ylt/2_samuel/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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, <a href="/slt/2_samuel/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they will come to the house, and he will lie upon his couch in his bed-chamber, and they will strike him and kill him, and take away his head, and they will take his head and go the way of the sterile region all night.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_samuel/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/2_samuel/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For when they had entered the house, he was sleeping on his bed in a closed room. And striking him, they killed him. And taking his head, they departed by the way of the desert, walking throughout the night. <a href="/nabre/2_samuel/4.htm">New American Bible</a> and entered the house while Ishbaal was lying asleep in his bedroom. They struck and killed him, and cut off his head. Then, taking the head, they traveled on the Arabah road all night long. <a href="/nrsvce/2_samuel/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now they had come into the house while he was lying on his couch in his bedchamber; they attacked him, killed him, and beheaded him. Then they took his head and traveled by way of the Arabah all night long.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_samuel/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For when they came into the house, he was lying on his bed in his bedchamber, and they smote him and slew him and beheaded him, and took his head and fled by the way of the plain all night. <a href="/hpbt/2_samuel/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And they had come to the house and he was asleep on his bed in the bedroom where he slept, and they struck him and killed him and took his head, and they went on the road of Arabah all night<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/2_samuel/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now when they came into the house, as he lay on his bed in his bed-chamber, they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and went by the way of the Arabah all night. <a href="/sep/2_samuel/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Jebosthe was sleeping on his bed in his chamber: and they smite him, and slay him, and take off his head: and they took his head, and went all the night by the western road. <a href="/parallel/2_samuel/4-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_0ajZHUzMKw?start=1095" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_samuel/4.htm">The Murder of Ish-bosheth</a> …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. 7<a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">They had entered</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: hab·ba·yiṯ (Art:: N-ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū- (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">while Ish-bosheth</a> <a href="/hebrew/7901.htm" title="7901: šō·ḵêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To lie down. A primitive root; to lie down.">was lying</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/4296.htm" title="4296: miṭ·ṭā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A couch, bed. From natah; a bed for sleeping or eating; by analogy, a sofa, litter or bier.">his bed,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2315.htm" title="2315: ba·ḥă·ḏar (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A chamber, room. From chadar; an apartment."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4904.htm" title="4904: miš·kā·ḇōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Place of lying, a couch, act of lying. From shakab; a bed; abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: way·yak·ku·hū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp:: 3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">and having stabbed</a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: way·mi·ṯu·hū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp:: 3ms) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">and killed him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: way·yā·sî·rū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">they beheaded</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">took</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">his head,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·lə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and traveled</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: hal·lā·yə·lāh (Art:: N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">night</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: de·reḵ (N-csc) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">by way</a> <a href="/hebrew/6160.htm" title="6160: hā·‘ă·rā·ḇāh (Art:: N-fs) -- From arab; a desert; especially the sterile valley of the Jordan and its continuation to the Red Sea.">of the Arabah.</a> 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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_samuel/3-30.htm">2 Samuel 3:30</a> (Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.) <a href="/2_samuel/1-10.htm">2 Samuel 1:10</a> So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the band that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord.” <a href="/1_kings/2-5.htm">1 Kings 2:5-6</a> Moreover, you know what Joab son of Zeruiah did to me—what he did to Abner son of Ner and Amasa son of Jether, the two commanders of the armies of Israel. He killed them in peacetime to avenge the blood of war. He stained with the blood of war the belt around his waist and the sandals on his feet. / So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. <a href="/1_kings/2-32.htm">1 Kings 2:32</a> The LORD will bring his bloodshed back upon his own head, for without the knowledge of my father David he struck down two men more righteous and better than he when he put to the sword Abner son of Ner, commander of Israel’s army, and Amasa son of Jether, commander of Judah’s army. <a href="/2_samuel/2-23.htm">2 Samuel 2:23</a> But Asahel refused to turn away. So Abner thrust the butt of his spear into his stomach, and it came out his back, and he fell dead on the spot. And every man paused when he came to the place where Asahel had fallen and died. <a href="/2_samuel/20-10.htm">2 Samuel 20:10</a> Amasa was not on guard against the dagger in Joab’s hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach and spilled out his intestines on the ground. And Joab did not need to strike him again, for Amasa was dead. Then Joab and his brother Abishai pursued Sheba son of Bichri. <a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">1 Samuel 31:4-5</a> Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. / When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him. <a href="/2_samuel/1-15.htm">2 Samuel 1:15-16</a> Then David summoned one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him!” So the young man struck him down, and he died. / For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” <a href="/1_kings/2-25.htm">1 Kings 2:25</a> So King Solomon gave orders to Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he struck down Adonijah and he died. <a href="/1_kings/2-34.htm">1 Kings 2:34</a> So Benaiah son of Jehoiada went up, struck down Joab, and killed him. He was buried at his own home in the wilderness. <a href="/1_kings/2-46.htm">1 Kings 2:46</a> Then the king commanded Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck Shimei down, and he died. Thus the kingdom was firmly established in the hand of Solomon. <a href="/matthew/14-8.htm">Matthew 14:8-11</a> Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” / The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted / and sent to have John beheaded in the prison. ... <a href="/mark/6-27.htm">Mark 6:27-28</a> So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. / The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother. <a href="/acts/12-2.htm">Acts 12:2</a> He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. <a href="/matthew/27-35.htm">Matthew 27:35</a> When they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments by casting lots.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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 got them away through the plain all night.took his head<a href="/1_samuel/17-54.htm">1 Samuel 17:54</a> And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armour in his tent.<a href="/1_samuel/31-9.htm">1 Samuel 31:9</a> And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armour, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people.<a href="/2_kings/10-6.htm">2 Kings 10:6,7</a> Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye be mine, and if ye will hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your master's sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to morrow this time. Now the king's sons, being seventy persons, were with the great men of the city, which brought them up… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/2-29.htm">Arabah</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-14.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-5.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/exodus/8-3.htm">Bedchamber</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Bed-Chamber</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-20.htm">Bedroom</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-6.htm">Beheaded</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-15.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-9.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-37.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-12.htm">Gat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-29.htm">Head</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-6.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-6.htm">Inner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-5.htm">Ish-Bosheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-30.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-5.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-32.htm">Night</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-6.htm">Part</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-29.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-30.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-6.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-6.htm">Stabbed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-11.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-6.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-16.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/14-25.htm">Arabah</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-19.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-11.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-12.htm">Bedchamber</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-12.htm">Bed-Chamber</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-10.htm">Bedroom</a> <a href="/matthew/14-10.htm">Beheaded</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-11.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-9.htm">Cutting</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-11.htm">Death</a> <a href="/2_samuel/8-13.htm">Gat</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-8.htm">Head</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-11.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-10.htm">Inner</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-12.htm">Ish-Bosheth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-10.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-4.htm">Lay</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-4.htm">Night</a> <a href="/2_samuel/14-6.htm">Part</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-28.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-10.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-20.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/numbers/35-20.htm">Stabbed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-39.htm">Stretched</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-20.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-25.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">2 Samuel 4</div>1. <a href="/2_samuel/4-1.htm">The Israelites being troubled at the death of Abner</a> 2. <a href="/2_samuel/4-2.htm">Baanah and Rechab slay Ish-Bosheth, and bring his head to Hebron</a> 9. <a href="/2_samuel/4-9.htm">David causes them to be slain, and Ish-Bosheth's head to be buried.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>They had entered the house This phrase indicates a breach of security and trust, as the perpetrators gained access to Ish-bosheth's private quarters. In ancient Near Eastern culture, entering someone's house, especially a royal residence, without permission was a significant violation. This act foreshadows the betrayal and treachery that follows.while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, was in a vulnerable state, resting or possibly asleep. This detail highlights the cowardice of the attackers, as they chose a moment when he was defenseless. Beds in ancient Israel were simple, often just mats on the floor, indicating the intimate setting of this betrayal.and having stabbed and killed him The act of stabbing signifies a violent and personal attack. In the context of biblical narratives, such acts of violence often reflect the chaotic and brutal nature of the period of the Judges and early monarchy. This murder was not just a political assassination but also a violation of the sanctity of life, which is a recurring theme in Scripture.they beheaded him Beheading was a common practice in ancient warfare and was often used to demonstrate total victory over an enemy. This gruesome act was intended to send a message of power and dominance. In biblical terms, it echoes the fate of Goliath, whose head was also taken as a trophy by David, highlighting the brutal realities of ancient conflicts.took his head Taking the head of Ish-bosheth was a symbolic act meant to prove the deed and claim a reward. In the cultural context, presenting the head of a defeated enemy was a way to gain favor or assert authority. This act also reflects the political instability and the struggle for power following Saul's death.and traveled all night by way of the Arabah The Arabah is a desert region stretching from the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba. Traveling by night suggests urgency and a desire to avoid detection, as well as the harsh conditions of the desert journey. This route indicates the geographical and strategic considerations of the time, as the Arabah was a known trade and travel route. The journey underscores the lengths to which individuals would go to secure political advantage in the turbulent period of Israel's early monarchy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/i/ish-bosheth.htm">Ish-bosheth</a> The son of Saul and a king of Israel, who reigned over the northern tribes after Saul's death. His reign was marked by instability and conflict with David, who was king over Judah. 2. <a href="/topical/r/rechab_and_baanah.htm">Rechab and Baanah</a> The sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, who were captains in Ish-bosheth's army. They betrayed and murdered Ish-bosheth, seeking favor with David. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_house_of_ish-bosheth.htm">The House of Ish-bosheth</a> The location where Ish-bosheth was murdered. It symbolizes the vulnerability and eventual downfall of Saul's house. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_arabah.htm">The Arabah</a> A desert region through which Rechab and Baanah traveled after committing the murder. It represents the desolate and secretive path they took to deliver Ish-bosheth's head to David. 5. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The anointed king of Israel, who was ruling over Judah at the time. His response to the murder of Ish-bosheth is significant in understanding his character and leadership.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_betrayal.htm">The Consequences of Betrayal</a> Rechab and Baanah's actions demonstrate the destructive nature of betrayal and the misguided belief that evil deeds can lead to personal gain. <a href="/topical/r/respect_for_god's_anointed.htm">Respect for God's Anointed</a> David's consistent respect for Saul's house, despite their enmity, teaches us the importance of honoring God's chosen leaders and trusting in His timing. <a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_god.htm">The Sovereignty of God</a> The fall of Ish-bosheth and the rise of David illustrate God's sovereign plan in establishing His chosen king, reminding us to trust in His divine purposes. <a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_ambition.htm">The Dangers of Ambition</a> The ambition of Rechab and Baanah led to their downfall, serving as a warning against seeking power through unrighteous means. <a href="/topical/j/justice_and_righteousness.htm">Justice and Righteousness</a> David's response to the murder of Ish-bosheth underscores the importance of justice and righteousness in leadership, as he refused to reward wickedness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_samuel_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 4</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_brain_injury.htm">What does the Bible say about brain injury?</a> <a href="/q/david_and_ish-bosheth_conflict.htm">What happened between David and Ish-bosheth?</a> <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> <a href="/q/why_condemn_ishbosheth's_killers.htm">2 Samuel 4:5-7 - If God intended David to become king, why would these assassins be condemned for eliminating Ishbosheth, who was hindering David's rule?</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>(7) Took his head.--There is no difficulty with the repetition in <a href="/2_samuel/4-7.htm" title="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 got them away through the plain all night.">2Samuel 4:7</a> 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., <a href="/context/2_samuel/3-22.htm" title="And, behold, the servants of David and Joab came from pursuing a troop, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he had sent him away, and he was gone in peace.">2Samuel 3:22-23</a>, where Joab's arrival is twice mentioned, and <a href="/context/2_samuel/5-1.htm" title="Then came all the tribes of Israel to David to Hebron, and spoke, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.">2Samuel 5:1-3</a>, where the mention of the assembly at Hebron is repeated.)Through the plain.--As in <a href="/2_samuel/2-29.htm" title="And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and they came to Mahanaim.">2Samuel 2:29</a>, the Arabah, or valley of the Jordan, the natural way from Mahanaim to Hebron. <a href="/commentaries/2_samuel/4-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>They had entered וַיָּבֹ֣אוּ (way·yā·ḇō·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go the house הַבַּ֗יִת (hab·ba·yiṯ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house while Ish-bosheth וְהֽוּא־ (wə·hū-) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are was lying שֹׁכֵ֤ב (šō·ḵêḇ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7901.htm">Strong's 7901: </a> To lie down on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against his bed, מִטָּתוֹ֙ (miṭ·ṭā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4296.htm">Strong's 4296: </a> A bed, for, sleeping, eating, a sofa, litter, bier and having stabbed וַיַּכֻּ֙הוּ֙ (way·yak·ku·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike and killed him, וַיְמִתֻ֔הוּ (way·mi·ṯu·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> To die, to kill they beheaded וַיָּסִ֖ירוּ (way·yā·sî·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> To turn aside him, רֹאשׁ֑וֹ (rō·šōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head took וַיִּקְחוּ֙ (way·yiq·ḥū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take his head, רֹאשׁ֔וֹ (rō·šōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head and traveled וַיֵּֽלְכ֛וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every night הַלָּֽיְלָה׃ (hal·lā·yə·lāh) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> A twist, night, adversity by way דֶּ֥רֶךְ (de·reḵ) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> A road, a course of life, mode of action of the Arabah. הָעֲרָבָ֖ה (hā·‘ă·rā·ḇāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6160.htm">Strong's 6160: </a> Arabah -- a steppe or desert plain, also a desert valley running south from the Sea of Galilee <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_samuel/4-7.htm">2 Samuel 4:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_samuel/4-7.htm">2 Samuel 4:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_samuel/4-7.htm">2 Samuel 4:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_samuel/4-7.htm">2 Samuel 4:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_samuel/4-7.htm">2 Samuel 4:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_samuel/4-7.htm">2 Samuel 4:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_samuel/4-7.htm">2 Samuel 4:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_samuel/4-7.htm">2 Samuel 4:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_samuel/4-7.htm">2 Samuel 4:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_samuel/4-7.htm">2 Samuel 4:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-7.htm">OT History: 2 Samuel 4:7 Now when they came into the house (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_samuel/4-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Samuel 4:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 4:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_samuel/4-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Samuel 4:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Samuel 4:8" /></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>