2 Samuel 4:2 Saul's son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties. One was named Baanah and the other Rechab; they were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite of the tribe of Benjamin--Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin,

◄ 2 Samuel 4:2 ►

New International Version
Now Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding bands. One was named Baanah and the other Rekab; they were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite from the tribe of Benjamin—Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin,

New Living Translation
Now there were two brothers, Baanah and Recab, who were captains of Ishbosheth’s raiding parties. They were sons of Rimmon, a member of the tribe of Benjamin who lived in Beeroth. The town of Beeroth is now part of Benjamin’s territory

English Standard Version
Now Saul’s son had two men who were captains of raiding bands; the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon a man of Benjamin from Beeroth (for Beeroth also is counted part of Benjamin;

Berean Standard Bible
Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties. One was named Baanah and the other Rechab; they were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite of the tribe of Benjamin—Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin,

King James Bible
And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin: (for Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin:

New King James Version
Now Saul’s son had two men who were captains of troops. The name of one was Baanah and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin. (For Beeroth also was part of Benjamin,

New American Standard Bible
And Saul’s son had two men who were commanders of troops: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the sons of Benjamin (for Beeroth is also considered part of Benjamin,

NASB 1995
Saul’s son had two men who were commanders of bands: the name of the one was Baanah and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the sons of Benjamin (for Beeroth is also considered part of Benjamin,

NASB 1977
And Saul’s son had two men who were commanders of bands: the name of the one was Baanah and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the sons of Benjamin (for Beeroth is also considered part of Benjamin,

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Saul’s son had two men who were commanders of bands: the name of the one was Baanah and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the sons of Benjamin (for Beeroth is also considered part of Benjamin,

Amplified Bible
Saul’s son had two men who were commanders of [raiding] bands [of soldiers]. One was named Baanah and the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite of the sons (tribe) of Benjamin (for Beeroth is also considered part of [the tribe of] Benjamin,

Christian Standard Bible
Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties: one named Baanah and the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite of the Benjaminites. Beeroth is also considered part of Benjamin,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties: one named Baanah and the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite of the Benjaminites. Beeroth is also considered part of Benjamin,

American Standard Version
And Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin (for Beeroth also is reckoned to Benjamin:

Contemporary English Version
Ishbosheth had put the two brothers Baanah and Rechab in charge of the soldiers who raided enemy villages. Rimmon was their father, and they were from the town of Beeroth, which belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.

English Revised Version
And Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin: (for Beeroth also is reckoned to Benjamin:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Saul's son had two men who were captains of raiding parties. One was named Baanah, and the other was named Rechab. They were the sons of Rimmon from Beeroth from the tribe of Benjamin. (Beeroth was considered a part of Benjamin,

Good News Translation
Ishbosheth had two officers who were leaders of raiding parties, Baanah and Rechab, sons of Rimmon, from Beeroth in the tribe of Benjamin. (Beeroth is counted as part of Benjamin.

International Standard Version
Now Saul's son had two officers in charge of some raiding parties. One was named Baanah and the other was named Rechab. They were sons of Rimmon, a descendant of Benjamin from Beeroth, which was considered to belong to the tribe of Benjamin.

Majority Standard Bible
Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties. One was named Baanah and the other Rechab; they were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite of the tribe of Benjamin—Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin,

NET Bible
Now Saul's son had two men who were in charge of raiding units; one was named Baanah and the other Recab. They were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, who was a Benjaminite. (Beeroth is regarded as belonging to Benjamin,

New Heart English Bible
And Ishbaal, Saul's son, had two men who were captains of bands; the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the people of Benjamin (for Beeroth was regarded as belonging to the people of Benjamin;

Webster's Bible Translation
And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin: (For Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin:

World English Bible
Saul’s son had two men who were captains of raiding bands. The name of one was Baanah and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin (for Beeroth also is considered a part of Benjamin;

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And two men, heads of troops, have been [to] the son of Saul, the name of the first [is] Baanah, and the name of the second Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the sons of Benjamin, for Beeroth is also reckoned to Benjamin,

Young's Literal Translation
And two men, heads of troops, have been to the son of Saul, the name of the one is Baanah, and the name of the second Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the sons of Benjamin, for also Beeroth is reckoned to Benjamin,

Smith's Literal Translation
And two men, chiefs of troops, were to the son of Saul: the name of the one, Baanah, and the name of the second, Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the sons of Benjamin, for also Beeroth was reckoned to Benjamin.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Now the son of Saul had two men captains of his bands, the name of the one was Baana, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Remmon a Berothite of the children of Benjamin: for Beroth also was reckoned in Benjamin.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now the son of Saul had two men, leaders among robbers. The name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other was Rechab, sons of Rimmon, a Beerothite from the sons of Benjamin. For indeed, Beeroth, too, was reputed with Benjamin.

New American Bible
Ishbaal, son of Saul, had two company leaders named Baanah and Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the tribe of Benjamin—Beeroth, too, was ascribed to Benjamin:

New Revised Standard Version
Saul’s son had two captains of raiding bands; the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab. They were sons of Rimmon a Benjaminite from Beeroth—for Beeroth is considered to belong to Benjamin.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Saul's son had two men who were captains of raiding bands; the name of the one was Baana, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a Beerothite of the children of Benjamin (for Beeroth also is reckoned to the Benjamites;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And two men, Captains of the raiders, were with the son of Shaul; the name of one, Bena, and the name of the other, Rakab, sons of Ramuun who were from the Bruthites of the sons of Benyamin, because Bruthi also fought with the sons of Benyamin

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands; the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin; for Beeroth also is reckoned to Benjamin;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Jebosthe the son of Saul had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baana, and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Remmon the Berothite of the children of Benjamin; for Beroth was reckoned to the children of Benjamin.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Murder of Ish-bosheth
1Now when Ish-bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel was dismayed. 2Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties. One was named Baanah and the other Rechab; they were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite of the tribe of Benjamin— Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin, 3because the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have lived there as foreigners to this day.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

2 Samuel 2:8-9
Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel.

2 Samuel 3:6-10
During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had continued to strengthen his position in the house of Saul. / Now Saul had a concubine named Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. So Ish-bosheth questioned Abner, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?” / Abner was furious over Ish-bosheth’s accusation. “Am I the head of a dog that belongs to Judah?” he asked. “All this time I have been loyal to the house of your father Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends. I have not delivered you into the hand of David, but now you accuse me of wrongdoing with this woman! ...

1 Samuel 14:49-51
Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. His two daughters were named Merab (his firstborn) and Michal (his younger daughter). / His wife’s name was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner, the son of Saul’s uncle Ner. / Saul’s father Kish and Abner’s father Ner were sons of Abiel.

1 Samuel 31:2
The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.

1 Chronicles 8:33
Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal.

1 Chronicles 9:39
Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal.

1 Kings 2:5-6
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.

1 Kings 2:32
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.

2 Samuel 2:12-17
One day Abner son of Ner and the servants of Ish-bosheth son of Saul marched out from Mahanaim to Gibeon. / So Joab son of Zeruiah and the servants of David marched out and met them by the pool of Gibeon. And the two groups took up positions on opposite sides of the pool. / Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied. ...

2 Samuel 3:1
Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

2 Samuel 3:27
When Abner returned to Hebron, Joab pulled him aside into the gateway, as if to speak to him privately, and there Joab stabbed him in the stomach. So Abner died on account of the blood of Joab’s brother Asahel.

2 Samuel 3:30
(Joab and his brother Abishai murdered Abner because he had killed their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon.)

2 Samuel 5:6-10
Now the king and his men marched to Jerusalem against the Jebusites who inhabited the land. The Jebusites said to David: “You will never get in here. Even the blind and lame can repel you.” For they thought, “David cannot get in here.” / Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). / On that day he said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach the lame and blind who are despised by David.” That is why it is said, “The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.” ...

2 Samuel 9:1
Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?”

2 Samuel 21:7
Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul.

Treasury of Scripture

And Saul's son had two men that were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin: (for Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin.

captains

2 Samuel 3:22
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.

2 Kings 5:2
And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.

2 Kings 6:23
And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.

other [heb] second

Joshua 9:17
And the children of Israel journeyed, and came unto their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kirjathjearim.

Joshua 18:25
Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,

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Baanah Bands Beeroth Beerothite Benjamin Captains Children Commanders Ishbosheth Rechab Reckoned Rimmon Saul's

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2 Samuel 4

1. The Israelites being troubled at the death of Abner
2. Baanah and Rechab slay Ish-Bosheth, and bring his head to Hebron
9. David causes them to be slain, and Ish-Bosheth's head to be buried.

Berean Study Bible

Saul’s son
This phrase refers to Ish-bosheth, the son of King Saul, who was made king over Israel after Saul's death. The Hebrew root for "son" is "ben," which signifies not only a biological relationship but also a continuation of a legacy or dynasty. In the historical context, Ish-bosheth's reign represents the fragile continuation of Saul's line, highlighting the political instability in Israel during this period.

two men
The mention of "two men" introduces Baanah and Rechab, who play a crucial role in the unfolding narrative. The number two often symbolizes witness or testimony in biblical literature, suggesting that their actions will bear significant consequences. Historically, these men were likely seen as opportunists in a time of political upheaval.

leaders of raiding bands
The Hebrew term for "leaders" is "sar," which can mean prince, chief, or captain, indicating a position of authority. "Raiding bands" suggests a group engaged in guerrilla warfare or plundering, common in the tribal conflicts of ancient Israel. This phrase underscores the lawlessness and fragmented power structures following Saul's death.

One was named Baanah and the other Rechab
Names in the Bible often carry deep significance. "Baanah" means "in affliction" or "in response," while "Rechab" means "rider" or "chariot." These names may reflect their roles or characteristics. The narrative will reveal their actions as pivotal, illustrating themes of betrayal and ambition.

sons of Rimmon the Beerothite
"Rimmon" is a name that may be associated with a deity or mean "pomegranate," a symbol of fertility and abundance. "Beerothite" indicates their origin from Beeroth, a city of the Gibeonites. This detail situates them within the tribal and geographical landscape of Israel, emphasizing their outsider status within the Benjamite tribe.

from the tribe of Benjamin
The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its warriors and strategic location. Saul, Israel's first king, was also from Benjamin, adding layers of political and familial complexity to the narrative. This connection highlights the internal strife within the tribe and the broader nation.

Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin
This parenthetical note clarifies the geographical and tribal affiliations, which are crucial for understanding the political dynamics at play. Beeroth's inclusion in Benjamin's territory underscores the fluidity and contested nature of tribal boundaries in ancient Israel, reflecting the ongoing struggle for power and identity.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(2) A Beerothite.--Beeroth was one of the four cities of the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:17), and was allotted with the others to the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:25). It is identified with the modern El-Bireh, nine miles north of Jerusalem. It is mentioned here, in the past tense, that Beeroth "was reckoned to Benjamin," because in the time of the writer it was no longer inhabited. The fact that the murderers of Ish-bosheth were of his own tribe is made prominent.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 2. - Saul's son had two men captains of bands. The bands mentioned were light-armed troops, used in forays, such as that mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:22. Their captains would be men of importance with Ishbosheth, who is here described somewhat contemptuously, not as king, nor by his own name, but as "Saul's son." Beeroth. This place, literally the Wells, was one of the four towns reserved for the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:17), though nominally belonging to Benjamin (Joshua 18:25). The note, that it was reckoned to Benjamin, suggests that it had until quite lately been occupied by the Canaanites, whose flight to Gittaim had no doubt been caused by Saul's cruel attack upon them referred to in 2 Samuel 21:1, 2. It was thus remarkable that the destruction of Saul's dynasty was the work of the Gibeonites of Beeroth. As we find another of these Beerothites, Naharai, holding the office of armour bearer to Joab (1 Chronicles 11:39), it seems probable that many of them saved themselves from expulsion by becoming soldiers. But among David's worthies a large number were strangers, and some even men of foreign extraction. Beeroth, however, was probably seized in Saul's reign by the Benjamites, by force, and occupied by them, as its citizens returned in large numbers from the exile (Ezra 2:25), and are counted as genuine Israelites. Moreover, by thus dispossessing the natives, Saul was able to give his tribesmen "fields and vineyards" (1 Samuel 22:7), which otherwise would have been in violation of the Mosaic Law.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Saul’s
שָׁא֟וּל (šā·’ūl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7586: Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites

son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

had two
וּשְׁנֵ֣י (ū·šə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Number - mdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

men
אֲנָשִׁ֣ים (’ă·nā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

who were leaders
שָׂרֵֽי־ (śā·rê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of raiding parties:
גְדוּדִ֣ים (ḡə·ḏū·ḏîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1416: A band, troop

One [was]
הָאֶחָ֨ד (hā·’e·ḥāḏ)
Article | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

named
שֵׁם֩ (šêm)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

Baanah
בַּֽעֲנָ֜ה (ba·‘ă·nāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1196: Baanah -- the name of several Israelites

and the other
הַשֵּׁנִ֣י (haš·šê·nî)
Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 8145: Second (an ordinal number)

Rechab;
רֵכָ֗ב (rê·ḵāḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7394: Rechab -- perhaps 'band of riders', a Benjamite, also the head of a nomadic family

[they were] the sons
בְּנֵ֛י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Rimmon
רִמּ֥וֹן (rim·mō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7417: A Syrian god

the Beerothite
הַבְּאֶֽרֹתִ֖י (hab·bə·’e·rō·ṯî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 886: Beerothite -- a Beerothite

of the tribe
מִבְּנֵ֣י (mib·bə·nê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Benjamin
בִנְיָמִ֑ן (ḇin·yā·min)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites

(
כִּ֚י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

Beeroth
בְּאֵר֔וֹת (bə·’ê·rō·wṯ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 881: Beeroth -- 'wells', a place in Palestine

is also
גַּם־ (gam-)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

considered
תֵּחָשֵׁ֖ב (tê·ḥā·šêḇ)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 2803: To think, account

part of
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Benjamin,
בִּנְיָמִֽן׃ (bin·yā·min)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites

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OT History: 2 Samuel 4:2 Ishbosheth Saul's son had two men who (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)