2 Samuel 4:4

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 4:4

And Jonathan, Saul's son ,.... His eldest son, who died at the same time with him: had a son that was lame of his feet ; of both feet, which were broken or bruised by a fall, as later related: and he was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel : that is, when the tidings of their death came from Jezreel, the place where the battle was fought in which they died, to Gibeah, and the royal palace there; so that he was now twelve years of age: and... read more

Adam Clarke

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

He fell , and became lame - Dislocated his ankle, knee, or thigh; which was never after reduced; and thus he became lame. Lovely Jonathan! unfortunate in thy life, and in thy progeny. 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 4:4

Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son. This is mentioned to show that Saul's lineage virtually became extinct on Ishbosheth's death. Mephibosheth, the heir, was a cripple, and physically incapable of reigning. Saul had, indeed, sons by a concubine, and grandchildren by his daughter Merab ( 2 Samuel 21:8 ). But throughout the history there is no hint that any of these were regarded as the representatives of Saul's house. (For the name Mephibosheth, see note on 2 Samuel 2:8 .) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:4

( GIBEAH .) An unfortunate prince: a sermon to children. Mephibosheth was the only son of Jonathan, the friend of David and eldest sort of King Saul. When he was five years old the country was invaded by the Philistines ( 1 Samuel 29:1 ), his father went forth with the king from Gibeah to fight against them in Jezreel, and he was left at home in the care of a nurse (his mother probably being dead). They waited anxiously for news of the conflict; and at length there came a messenger... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:4

A lifelong affliction. Wars inflict innumerable evils which find no place in the history of them. This verse affords an illustration. When news reached the household of Saul that he and his sons had been slain in battle, a grandson, a boy of five years, was hurriedly borne away by his nurse, and, failing, was lamed in both feet. His lameness continued throughout life, and involved him in serious disadvantages and troubles. There are many who, like Mephibosheth, are weak and suffering from... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Samuel 4:4

This mention of Mephibosheth seems to be inserted here partly to show that with the death of Ish-bosheth the cause of the house of Saul became hopeless, and partly to prepare the way for the subsequent mention of him 2 Samuel 9:1-13; 2 Samuel 16:1-4; 2 Samuel 19:25. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Samuel 4:4

2 Samuel 4:4. Jonathan had a son This history is inserted as that which encouraged these men to this wicked murder, because Saul’s family was now reduced to a low ebb; and if Ish-bosheth were despatched, there would be none left but a lame child, who was altogether unfit to manage the kingdom, and therefore the crown must necessarily come to David by their act and deed; for which they promised themselves no small recompense. When the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan That is, the tidings... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Samuel 4:1-12

End of the line of Saul (3:2-4:12)On becoming king of Judah, David followed the pattern of neighbouring kings by taking a number of wives (2-5). (For the more important people of David’s family and relatives see the appendix at the end of the commentary on 2 Samuel.) Meanwhile Abner became so powerful among Ishbosheth’s supporters, that Ishbosheth accused him of trying to gain the throne for himself. (According to an eastern custom, one way a person signified his claim to the throne was by... read more

Group of Brands