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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:1-8

Here is, I. The weakness of Saul's house. Still it grew weaker and weaker. 1. As for Ishbosheth, who was in possession of the throne, his hands were feeble, 2 Sam. 4:1. All the strength they ever had was from Abner's support, and now that he was dead he had no spirit left in him. Though Abner had, in a passion, deserted his interest, yet he hoped, by his means, to make good terms with David; but now even this hope fails him, and he sees himself forsaken by his friends and at the mercy of his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:5

And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah , went ,.... From Gittaim, where they were sojourners, 2 Samuel 4:3 ; or from the army, where they had commissions, wherever it was: and came, about the heat of the day ; the middle of the day, at noon, as follows: to the house of Ishbosheth ; which was at Mahanaim: who lay on a bed at noon ; as was usual in hot countries, especially for great personages, as kings; so the Targum,"and he was sleeping the sleep of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:6

And they came thither into the midst of the house ,.... They not only came unto it, but entered into it, and went into the inmost part of it; the guards being asleep also perhaps, or not on duty, so that there were none to obstruct them; or if there were, they deceived them, since they went in as though they would have fetched wheat ; out of the king's granaries, for the payment and support of the soldiers under them, who in those days were paid in corn, as were the Roman soldiers ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 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 went in first they smote him under the fifth rib, and made their escape; but fearing they had not left him dead, they returned, and did as follows: and they smote him, and slew him ; so that it was out of all doubt with them that he was dead: and beheaded him ; to make sure work of it: ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:8

And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron ,.... Supposing it would have been a very acceptable present to him: and said to the king, behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life ; all which, his relation to Saul, his enmity to David, and his designs upon his life, are artfully put together to raise the indignation of David against him, and make their present of his head to him the more agreeable: and the Lord hath avenged my lord... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:5

Lay on a bed at noon - It is a custom in all hot countries to travel or work very early and very late, and rest at noonday, in which the heat chiefly prevails. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:6

As though they would have fetched wheat - The king's stores were probably near his own dwelling; and these men were accustomed to go thither for provisions for themselves, their cattle, and their men. This supposition which is natural, renders unnecessary all the emendations of Houbigant and others. As these men were accustomed to bring wheat from these stores, from which it appears there was an easy passage to the king's chamber, (especially if we consider this a summer-house,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Samuel 4:8

They brought the head - unto David - They thought, as did the poor lying Amalekite, to ingratiate themselves with David by this abominable act. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:1-12

The facts are: 1 . On the death of Abner, consternation seizes Ishbosheth and his friends. 2 . The only other representative of the house of Saul was a mere boy, whose age and bodily infirmity rendered his coming to the front out of the question. 3 . Two of Ishbosheth's officers, forming a secret design, visit Ishbosheth as though on business connected with their duties, and slay him. 4 . Stealing away by night, they carry the head of Ishbosheth to David at Hebron, and think to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:5-8

( MAHANAIM .) Assassins. "And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron" ( 2 Samuel 4:8 ). 1 . What useful purpose can the record of the atrocious deeds of such men serve? To throw light upon the condition of the age in which they occurred. To confirm inspired testimony concerning human depravity ( Psalms 14:1-7 .). To exhibit the tendency of the evil principles and passions by which these men were actuated, and incite hatred and abhorrence of them. To show... read more

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