Baanah and Rechab were two brothers from the tribe of Benjamin, known for their role in the turbulent period following the death of King Saul. They were the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, as recorded in the Old Testament. Their account is primarily found in 2 Samuel 4, where they are depicted as captains of raiding bands under Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul.

Historical Context

After the death of Saul, the kingdom of Israel was divided. David was anointed king over Judah, while Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, was made king over the rest of Israel. This division led to a prolonged conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David. Baanah and Rechab, as leaders under Ish-bosheth, were part of this conflict.

The Assassination of Ish-bosheth

Baanah and Rechab are most infamous for their assassination of Ish-bosheth. Seeing the weakening position of Saul's house and perhaps seeking favor with David, they conspired to kill Ish-bosheth. The Bible recounts their treacherous act in 2 Samuel 4:5-7 :

"Now Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, set out and arrived at the house of Ish-bosheth in the heat of the day while he was taking his midday nap. They entered the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped away."

After murdering Ish-bosheth, they beheaded him and brought his head to David at Hebron, expecting to be rewarded for eliminating David's rival. They presented the head to David, claiming that the LORD had avenged David against Saul and his offspring.

David's Response

Contrary to their expectations, David did not reward Baanah and Rechab. Instead, he was appalled by their actions. David's response is recorded in 2 Samuel 4:9-12 :

"But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, 'As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered me from all adversity, when someone told me, "Look, Saul is dead," and thought he was bringing me good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news! How much more, when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed, should I not now require his blood from your hand and remove you from the earth!' So David commanded his young men, and they killed them, cut off their hands and feet, and hung their bodies by the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in Abner’s tomb in Hebron."

David's reaction underscores his commitment to justice and righteousness, refusing to condone murder even when it seemingly served his interests. This incident highlights the moral and ethical standards that David upheld, setting a precedent for his reign.

Theological Significance

The account of Baanah and Rechab serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of treachery and murder. It illustrates the principle that God's justice prevails, and that human actions, especially those driven by ambition and betrayal, are subject to divine judgment. David's refusal to accept their deed as a legitimate means to secure his throne reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and timing.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, this account reinforces the theme of God's providential care over His anointed and the establishment of David's kingdom, which ultimately points to the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, from the line of David.Baanah and Rechab

Sons of Rimmon, in the services of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul. Thinking to obtain a reward from David, they secretly slew their master while reposing at noon, and carried his head to David at Hebron. They suffered, however, the punishment suitable for those whose "feet are swift to shed blood," 2 Samuel 4:1-12.

That Upon the Slaughter of Ishbosheth by the Treachery of his ...
... death very much troubled him; nor did he himself outlive any long time, but was
treacherously set upon by the sons of Rimmon, [Baanah and Rechab were their ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 that upon the.htm

The History of David
... There were two princes of thieves with Ishbosheth named Baanah and Rechab, which
came on a day in to Ishbosheth where he lay and slept, and there they slew him ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of david.htm

A Shepherd Boy who was Called to Lead a Nation
... Then Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon, went about midday to the palace
of Ishbaal, as he was taking his rest at noon. The doorkeeper ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a shepherd boy who was.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

What is the story of David and Ish-Bosheth? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about 2 Samuel | GotQuestions.org

Who were Rechab and Baanah? | GotQuestions.org

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