2 Samuel 4:9-12 – Don’t act cowardly, arrogantly or manipulatively

It must have been an arduous journey for Rechab and Baanah. They traveled by the way of Arabah in the night bringing the head of Ish-bosheth which they had beheaded after murdering him. Of course, they had hoped that what they brought to David would delight the king and they would be readily accepted. Perhaps they had anticipated a handsome reward or be given a position in David’s band of men. Little did they realize that David would return their sedition by sentencing them to death. They had received their just desert for their treachery.  

Rechab and Baanah apparently did not know the kind of person David was. He had the highest respect for Saul and his office. He himself had several opportunities to finish off Saul but refused to touch the Lord’s anointed. Even when the Amalekite came to him in Ziklag with what considered the good news of Saul’s death, David put him to death. He obviously had made a false move by claiming to be the one who had ended Saul’s misery by putting him to death. Rechab and Baanah had killed a defenseless and innocent man in his own house and on his own bed. What was even more unacceptable to David was that the person they had killed was their king. How crazy for them to think that David would reward their high treason.

After ordering that they be put to death, David also instructed that their hands and feet be cut off and be hanged by the pool of Hebron. This was a public example for all to warn them against entertaining any treasonous scheme. He then had the head of Ish-bosheth buried in the tomb of Abner in Hebron.

Though not clearly described, the chapter shows us subtly how cowardly they were. They murdered a man in his sleep. Secondly, they were also arrogant at the same time. How do we know? They presumptuously presented what they had done as if they were God’s instrument to help remove David’s obstacle to the throne. Thirdly, they were manipulative. On learning of Abner’s death, they tried to position themselves by killing Ish-bosheth to gain David’s favor. The actions of Rechab and Baanah warn us to be careful with people who have no qualms exploiting the weakness of others to profit themselves. Like it or not, the church also has such people operating covertly to profit themselves. It behooves us to be people of integrity. Let’s not act cowardly, arrogantly, or manipulatively. Be sure our sin will find us out!