Background:

Ish-Bosheth, also known as Eshbaal, was the son of King Saul and reigned as king over Israel after Saul's death. His reign was marked by political instability and conflict with David, who was anointed king over Judah. Ish-Bosheth's rule was largely supported by Abner, the commander of Saul's army, who initially set him up as king. However, after a falling out with Ish-Bosheth, Abner sought to transfer his allegiance to David, which significantly weakened Ish-Bosheth's position.

The Assassination:

The account of Ish-Bosheth's assassination is found in 2 Samuel 4. Following Abner's death, Ish-Bosheth's hold on the throne became even more tenuous. The narrative describes how two brothers, Baanah and Rechab, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, took advantage of the situation. These men were captains of raiding bands and saw an opportunity to gain favor with David by eliminating his rival.

The Berean Standard Bible recounts the event as follows:

"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." (2 Samuel 4:5-6)

After killing Ish-Bosheth, the brothers beheaded him and traveled through the night to bring his head to David at Hebron, expecting to be rewarded for their deed.

David's Response:

Contrary to their expectations, David did not commend their actions. Instead, he was appalled by their treachery and the murder of an innocent man in his own home. 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 out of every trouble, when someone told me, "Look, Saul is dead," and thought he was bringing 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 demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!' So David commanded his young men, and they killed them. They 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 at Hebron."

Theological and Moral Implications:

The assassination of Ish-Bosheth highlights several key themes in the biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the sanctity of life and the principle of justice. David's reaction to the murder reflects a commitment to righteousness and the rule of law, even in the context of political rivalry. The act of assassination, particularly in such a deceitful manner, is condemned, and the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

Furthermore, the incident illustrates the providence of God in the establishment of David's kingdom. Despite the political machinations and violence surrounding the transition of power, David's rise to kingship is portrayed as being under divine guidance and protection. The narrative reinforces the idea that God's purposes will prevail, often in ways that defy human expectations and schemes.

Lastly, the account serves as a reminder of the moral complexities and challenges faced by leaders. David's response to the assassination reflects his understanding of justice and his role as a leader who must uphold God's standards, even when it involves difficult decisions and actions.2 Samuel 4:5-7
And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, who lay on a bed at noon.
Nave's Topical Index

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Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Assassination: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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