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2 Samuel 4 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
In 2 Samuel 4, we see the collision of two different kingdoms.
Humanity’s kingdom operates within an attitude of power and opportunity. The leaders in our world grab life by the horns and strive for absolute control. In ancient times, it was no different. To help a new king ascend into power was considered opportunistic, especially if you believe that new king is more powerful than the current one. Man always wants to be on the side with the greatest power.
They presented the head to King David at Hebron and said to him, “Here is the head of Ishbosheth, the son of your enemy Saul, who tried to kill you. Today the LORD has allowed Your Majesty to take revenge on Saul and his descendants.”
2 Samuel 4:8 GNB
The main issue with their request is found in their assumption that David reciprocated their values. Rechab and Baanah may have believed that “only the strong survive.” They may have thought David preferred to take revenge on Saul and that he just never had the opportunity. In fact, I would say they assumed this to be true. But David did not typically think in terms of the kingdom of man. David exemplified the qualities of the kingdom of Heaven.
David answered them, “I take a vow by the living LORD, who has saved me from all dangers!
2 Samuel 4:9 GNB
David didn’t need mobsters to go put a hit on his next victim. He didn’t operate like that. King David vowed to wait on the Living Lord, and had experienced enough in life to witness His unbelievable faithfulness. Rechab and Baanah probably thought David was insane. How could David defend Saul’s family? They had caused him so much stress, grief, and anxiety. They had prolonged his rightful reign as king. They had caused bloodshed and evil.
Yet here, David defends his enemies. By ordering for the death of these men, David was extending justice to Saul’s family. Even though they were against him, David’s highest priority was making sure that he wasn’t against God.
“By this act of justice, David showed to all Israel that he was a decided enemy to the destruction of Saul’s family; and that none could lift up their hands against any of them without meeting with condign punishment.”
Adam Clarke