Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Samuel 4

all Israel was dismayed: Abner’s true power was evident in Ish-bosheth’s reaction to his death (compare Joshua 2:9–11; 5:1). Ish-bosheth’s lack of courage caused the same weakness among those who followed him.

Beeroth was located in Benjamin near Gibeon. The people of Beeroth likely fled to Gittaim because Saul persecuted non-Israelite residents in that region (see 2 Samuel 21:1–9). The location of Gittaim is unknown.

• This parenthetical note shows that Saul’s royal line could not continue after the death of Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 4:5–7). The only remaining heir was a young child who was disabled (see also 2 Samuel 9:1–13).

• Mephibosheth may be a nickname that means “from the mouth of shame.” This name may reflect how people viewed his physical condition. Under the law of Moses, a disabled animal could not be offered to God. A priest with a physical defect could not stand before God to present the people’s offerings (Leviticus 21:19). In the same way, Mephibosheth’s disability likely made him unacceptable, in the eyes of many, as a candidate for the throne.

  His earlier name, Merib-baal (see 1 Chronicles 9:40), included the word baal. His later name removed any association with Baal (see study note on 2 Samuel 2:8).

Recab and Baanah believed they would gain David’s favor by committing this betrayal.

• your enemy: As far as we know, David never referred to Saul as an enemy.

• the LORD has granted vengeance: People who do wrong things often assume that God supports their plans and use this belief to justify their desire for power. However, David refused to reward acts of betrayal.

when someone told me: Compare 2 Samuel 1:1–16.

They cut off their hands and feet: David displayed the bodies of Ish-bosheth’s killers to shame them by denying them a proper burial (compare 1 Samuel 31:8–13). This public act also showed that David was not responsible for Ish-bosheth’s death.