2 Samuel 4:1-12:16 NVIPT

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:1

CONTENTS A melancholy relation this chapter hath of the murder of Ish-bosheth by two captains in his band. After they had perpetrated the deed they hastened with the head of Ish-bosheth to David, who so far from approving of what they had done, ordered their execution. These are the principal points here related. 2 Samuel 4:1 (1) ¶ And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled. We hardly know what to make of the character of... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:1

Isboseth is omitted in Hebrew but understood. He is expressed in the Septuagint. The Alexandrian copy generally substitutes Memphibosthai, by mistake; as he (Miphiboseth) was the son of Jonathan, ver. 4. (Haydock) --- Weakened. Hitherto Abner had been the chief support of Saul's family. His traitorous practices had been kept secret from Isboseth, (Calmet) who hoped that his former declaration had been dictated by a sudden passion, and would not be carried into effect, chap. iii. 10. (Haydock)... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:1-7

1-7 See how Ishbosheth was murdered! When those difficulties dispirit us, which should sharpen our endeavours, we betray both our heavenly crowns and our earthly lives. Love not sleep, lest thou come to poverty and ruin. The idle soul is an easy prey to the destroyer. We know not when and where death will meet us. When we lie down to sleep, we are not sure that we may not sleep the sleep of death before we awake; nor do we know from what hand the death-blow may come. read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - 2 Samuel 4:1-8

Ishbosheth Murdered v. 1. And when Saul's son, Ishbosheth, heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, slack, he completely lost heart, and all the Israelites were troubled, not only terrified, but completely at a loss what to do next. Things became altogether unsettled, chaos reigned in Israel. v. 2. And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands, bold, adventurous men who had divisions of the former Israelitish army under their command. The name of the one was... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - 2 Samuel 4:1-12

THIRD SECTIONDavid becomes Sole Ruler over Israel2 Samuel 4:1 to 2 Samuel 5:5I. Murder of Ishbosheth. 2 Samuel 4:1-81And when [om. when] Saul’s Song of Song of Solomon 1:0 heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, [ins. and] his hands were [became] feeble, and all the Israelites [Israel] were troubled. 2And Saul’s son had two men that were captains of bands. The name of the one was Baanah and the name of the other Rachab, the sons of Rimmon a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin; for2 Beeroth... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:1-12

another Treacherous Deed and Its Penalty 2 Samuel 4:1-12 Abner’s death rendered hopeless the cause of Ish-bosheth. Two captains incurred lasting shame and deserved punishment by their dastardly act of murder. Their act was the more despicable because of their prince’s trust. How little do coarse natures understand the workings of a really religious nature! These men knew that, if they were in David’s place, nothing would please them better than the removal of the last obstacle to the throne.... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 4:1-12

Again we have the story of a murder unjustifiable and cruel, prompted solely by the hope of gaining favor with David. Once again the king made it perfectly clear that he had no part in any of these methods of obtaining the kingdom which was his by the gift of God. His immediate punishment of the men who had murdered his rival proved him to be a man of faith, for faith consistently refuses to make use of subterfuge and injustice to secure the realization of the ends appointed by God. While... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:1-11

Saul’s Legitimate Successors Are Rendered Incapable Of Kingship. Mephi-bosheth, Jonathan’s Son, Becomes Lame And Ish-bosheth, Saul’s Remaining Son, Is Assassinated By Two Of His Commanders Who Bring His Head To David Only For Them To Suffer A Similar Fate (2 Samuel 4:1-11 ). In this passage we have described how the two remaining successors of Saul were removed by ‘circumstances’ from being able to be claimants to the throne of All Israel, the one through tender age and debilitating lameness,... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:1-12

2 Samuel 4:1-2 Kings : . It was clear that Ishbaal’ s authority could not long survive Abner. It was only a question who should carry out the schemes which Abner had set on foot. Two of Ishbaal’ s captains came to his house as he was enjoying his midday siesta. “ And, behold the portress was cleaning wheat, and she had fallen sound asleep, and they got into the house without being noticed” (following LXX of 2 Samuel 4:6 cf. mg.) , and slew Ishbaal and took his head to David, who had them put... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - 2 Samuel 4:1

His hands were feeble; his spirit, and courage, and strength failed him. This phrase is used in the same sense Ezra 4:1; Nehemiah 6:9; Isaiah 13:7; Isaiah 35:3. The Israelites were troubled, because now they were unable to oppose David, and doubtful of obtaining his favour, now Abner their peace-maker was dead. read more