Ish‑Bosheth Assassinated
2 Samuel 4:1-12
2 S.4.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- מת: ADJ,m,sg
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחברון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וירפו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- ידיו: NOUN,f,pl,abs,suff:3,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבהלו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Sam.3.26-27 (verbal): Narrates the actual killing of Abner in Hebron by Joab (and Abishai), the event that 2 Sam 4:1 reports hearing about.
- 2 Sam.3.28-39 (thematic): David's public lament for Abner and the people's reaction ('a great man fallen this day in Israel')—shows the political shock and national fear following Abner's death.
- 2 Sam.2.8-11 (structural): Describes Abner's role in making Ish-bosheth king over Israel; highlights why Abner's death would leave Saul's house weak and cause alarm across Israel.
- 2 Sam.4.2-12 (thematic): The subsequent murder of Ish-bosheth by his own servants and the political fallout—continuation of the instability and fear introduced when Abner was killed.
Alternative generated candidates
- When the sons of Saul heard that Abner was dead at Hebron, their hands were feeble, and all Israel was dismayed.
- When Saul’s son heard that Abner had died at Hebron, his strength failed him, and all Israel was terrified.
2 S.4.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושני: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- גדודים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שם: ADV
- האחד: PRON,indef,sg,m
- בענה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- רכב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- רמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבארתי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מבני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- בנימן: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- כי: CONJ
- גם: ADV
- בארות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- תחשב: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- על: PREP
- בנימן: NOUN,m,sg,proper
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 4:5-6 (structural): Same episode — identifies Baanah and Rechab as the men who enter Ish-bosheth’s house and kill him, continuing the narrative introduced in 4:2.
- 2 Samuel 4:11-12 (structural): David’s response and execution of Baanah and Rechab — a direct narrative aftermath to the men named in 4:2.
- 2 Samuel 2:8-10 (structural): Background context: Ish-bosheth (son of Saul) set up as king over Israel in Mahanaim, explaining why his assassination (by the men of 4:2–6) is politically significant.
- 2 Samuel 3:27-29 (thematic): Abner’s murder by Joab earlier in the civil conflict — a parallel instance of high-profile political assassination and its repercussions in the struggle for Israel’s throne.
- Joshua 9:17 (verbal): Lists Beeroth among towns associated with the Gibeonites; connects geographically/ethnically to “Beeroth” (the Beerothite identity of Rimmon) noted in 4:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- There were two men who were captains of raiding bands of Saul there—one named Baanah and the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the Benjaminites; for Beeroth is also reckoned among the towns of Benjamin.
- There were two men, captains of raiding bands, who belonged to Saul—one named Baanah and the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the people of Benjamin; for Beeroth is reckoned among Benjamin.
2 S.4.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויברחו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הבארתים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- גתימה: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שם: ADV
- גרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam.21:10-15 (verbal): David flees to Gath and seeks refuge among the Philistines—similar motif and wording of fleeing to Gath and dwelling there as a fugitive.
- 1 Sam.27:1-6 (thematic): David deliberately takes refuge with Achish king of Gath and sojourns among the Philistines for an extended period; parallels the theme of fugitives settling in Gath.
- 2 Sam.4:1-2 (structural): Immediate context describing the murder of Ish-bosheth and the actors (Rechab and Baanah) who then flee—direct narrative parallel and precursor to v.3.
- 2 Sam.4:12 (structural): Resolution of the same episode: David punishes the killers after they had fled/sojourned in Gath; completes the narrative arc begun in v.3.
Alternative generated candidates
- The Beerothites fled to Gath and have been resident there as aliens to this day.
- The Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have been sojourners there to this day.
2 S.4.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וליהונתן: CONJ+PREP,NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נכה: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- רגלים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חמש: NUM,card,f,sg
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בבא: PREP+VERB,qal,ptcp,m,sg
- שמעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהונתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מיזרעאל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותשאהו: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- אמנתו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ותנס: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בחפזה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לנוס: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- ויפל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ויפסח: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ושמו: CONJ,NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- מפיבשת: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.31:1-13 (allusion): Narrative account of Saul and Jonathan’s deaths (on Mount Gilboa); provides the background for the ‘news from Jezreel’ that triggers the flight in 2 Sam 4:4.
- 2 Sam.1:1-16 (allusion): The report-bearer who brings news of Saul and Jonathan’s fall—this episode parallels the mention of the news from Jezreel and situates Mephibosheth’s accident in the immediate post-battle aftermath.
- 2 Sam.9:1-13 (thematic): David’s search for and kindness to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth; repeats and develops the identity and fate of Jonathan’s disabled heir and shows the covenantal consequences of his survival.
- 2 Sam.9:6 (verbal): Direct reference to ‘Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan’ and his lameness—echoes the personal details (name, parentage, disabled foot) given in 2 Sam 4:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news came that Saul and Jonathan were dead at Jezreel. And the nurse took him up and fled; and as she fled he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.
- Now Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the news came from Jezreel about Saul and Jonathan. His nurse picked him up and fled; and as she hurried to flee he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.
2 S.4.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- רמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבארתי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רכב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובענה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כחם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשת: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- שכב: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- משכב: NOUN,m,sg,const
- הצהרים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 3:27 (thematic): Both passages narrate the treacherous killing of a prominent military/political leader (Abner in 3:27; Ish‑bosheth in 4:5), destabilizing the house of Saul and affecting David's consolidation of power.
- 2 Samuel 4:9-12 (structural): Immediate literary continuation of 4:5: recounts the murderers’ report to David, their justification, and David’s execution of them — showing the outcome and moral/legal judgment on the assassination.
- 2 Samuel 20:10-12 (thematic): Joab’s sudden killing of Amasa (an ally turned rival) mirrors the brutal, personal nature of political assassinations within David’s circle and the use of violence to resolve power struggles.
- 1 Kings 2:5-6, 31-34 (allusion): Solomon’s later orders to execute Joab (and punish others) invoke earlier unlawful killings (Abner, Amasa, Ish‑bosheth) and show the long‑term political and moral repercussions of those assassinations.
Alternative generated candidates
- Rechab and Baanah, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, went and came; and at the heat of the day they came to the house of Ish-bosheth, while he lay on his bed taking his midday rest.
- Baanah and Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, went and in the heat of the day came to the house of Ish‑Bosheth, while he lay on his bed at noon.
2 S.4.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והנה: ADV
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- תוך: PREP
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לקחי: VERB,qal,infc
- חטים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויכהו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- החמש: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ורכב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובענה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- נמלטו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Sam.3.27 (thematic): Another politically motivated assassination in David’s rise to power (Abner killed by Joab). Both incidents involve trusted military men killing a rival leader and shape the consolidation of David’s rule.
- 2 Sam.4.12 (structural): Immediate narrative aftermath in the same episode: David condemns and executes the murderers of Ish‑bosheth, showing the legal/moral judgment placed on the killing described in 4:6.
- 2 Sam.20.10 (thematic): The murder of Amasa by Joab (stabbed during a reconciliation context) parallels the pattern of intra‑Israelite violence and betrayal among commanders during succession struggles; both depict sudden, blade‑directed killings by military leaders.
- Deut.19.11-13 (thematic): Law concerning ambush and premeditated murder—an expected communal/legal response is execution of the murderer. This legal tradition undergirds David’s later punishment of Ish‑bosheth’s killers and frames the moral judgment on the crime.
Alternative generated candidates
- They came into the inner part of the house where the reapers were, and struck him at the fifth hour; and Rechab and Baanah his brothers fled.
- And behold, they entered into the inner room while he was lying on his bed; they struck him and he died—Rechab and Baanah fled.
2 S.4.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הבית: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- שכב: VERB,qal,inf
- על: PREP
- מטתו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3m
- בחדר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משכבו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3m
- ויכהו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- וימתהו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg,obj:3,m,sg
- ויסירו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ראשו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ראשו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הערבה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- כל: DET
- הלילה: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 31:9-10 (verbal): Philistines find Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa, cut off Saul’s head and strip his armor—directly parallels the motif of decapitation and removal of a king’s head.
- Matthew 14:10-11 (thematic): John the Baptist is beheaded and his head is presented—parallels the violent execution and the motif of a head being removed and delivered as proof/reward.
- 2 Kings 9:33-37 (thematic): Jezebel’s body (and effectively her head) is thrown down and treated brutally; a similar motif of a violent, dishonoring death and public display of the corpse/head.
- Judges 9:53-54 (thematic): Abimelech suffers a grievous head wound (his skull is crushed) and dies—parallels the violent attack on a leader in his place of refuge and the focus on the head as locus of death.
Alternative generated candidates
- They entered the house while he lay on his bed in his chamber; they struck him and killed him, cut off his head, took the head, and went all night by the way of the Arabah.
- They came into the house—he was lying on his bed in his chamber—and they struck and killed him, and they cut off his head. They took his head and went by the Arabah all night.
2 S.4.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשת: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חברון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אל: NEG
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הנה: PART
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשת: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איבך: NOUN,m,sg,cs+2ms
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בקש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נפשך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לאדני: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,m,poss1s
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- נקמות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- משאול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומזרעו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss,3,ms
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 1:2-16 (structural): A messenger comes to David with tokens of Saul’s death (crown/armlet) claiming to have killed Saul and seeking reward; parallels the narrative pattern of bringing proof of a rival’s death to David and the king’s moral/legal response.
- 1 Samuel 31:8-10 (thematic): The Philistines cut off Saul’s head and display his body—the motif of severed heads as trophies/confirmation of death provides immediate cultural and narrative background to Ish-bosheth’s head being brought to David.
- 2 Samuel 3:27-39 (structural): The murder of Abner and David’s public lament/condemnation shows a parallel handling of politically motivated killings during David’s rise and frames David’s need to disavow and punish unauthorized assassins (cf. David’s reaction to Ish‑bosheth’s murderers).
- Mark 6:27-28; Matthew 14:8-11 (thematic): The New Testament episode where John the Baptist’s head is presented to Herod echoes the broader motif of a severed head delivered to a ruler as proof/reward and highlights similar political and ethical tensions surrounding such presentations.
Alternative generated candidates
- They brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron and said to the king, "Behold the head of Ish-bosheth son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life; and the LORD has given my lord the king vengeance today against Saul and his seed."
- They brought the head of Ish‑Bosheth to David at Hebron and said to the king, “Behold the head of Ish‑Bosheth son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life. The LORD has this day avenged my lord the king on Saul and his house.”
2 S.4.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- רכב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- בענה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- רמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הבארתי: VERB,hiph,perf,1,sg
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- פדה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- מכל: PREP
- צרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 34:17 (verbal): Uses the same deliverance language — the righteous cry and the LORD 'delivers them out of all their troubles,' echoing 'redeemed my soul out of all distress.'
- Psalm 18:16-19 (thematic): Davidic thanksgiving for divine rescue: imagery of God delivering the psalmist from peril and bringing him into a broad place parallels 'the LORD who has redeemed my soul from all distress.'
- 2 Samuel 4:10-11 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the speech in 4:9 is followed by David's ordering of the execution and his denunciation of the murderers — the same episode and development of judgment language.
- 2 Samuel 3:28-29 (thematic): David's response to a slain leader (Abner): claiming innocence and invoking God's judgment on those responsible; parallels the motif of divine retribution and the sanctity of an anointed ruler after Ish-bosheth's murder.
Alternative generated candidates
- David answered Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, "As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my soul from all distress,
- David answered Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life out of every distress—
2 S.4.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- המגיד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הנה: PART
- מת: ADJ,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כמבשר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעיניו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- ואחזה: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואהרגהו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg+PRON,3,m,sg
- בצקלג: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לתתי: PREP+VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- בשרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 31:4-6 (allusion): Alternative account of Saul’s death: Saul falls on his own sword at Mount Gilboa. This contrasts the Amalekite’s claim in 2 Sam 4:10 that he killed Saul.
- 1 Chronicles 10:4-6 (allusion): Parallel retelling of Saul’s death that aligns with 1 Samuel 31 (Saul’s suicide), providing a canonical contrast to the Amalekite’s statement that he slew Saul.
- 2 Samuel 1:2-10 (structural): A closely parallel narrative: another man brings news of Saul’s death claiming to have killed him, and David executes the messenger. The episode mirrors themes of report, claim of killing Saul, and David’s response.
- 1 Samuel 27:6 (verbal): Mentions Ziklag being given to David (by Achish); connects to the locational claim in 2 Sam 4:10 that the killing occurred at Ziklag.
Alternative generated candidates
- for the man who told me, saying, 'Saul is dead,' supposed he was bringing good news to me; and I seized him and put him to death at Ziklag—the one who had been my bearer of tidings."
- —the one who told me, ‘Saul is dead,’ when he brought me word, was as one who brought good news to my ears; and I seized him and would have put him to death at Ziklag for giving me that report.”
2 S.4.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אף: ADV
- כי: CONJ
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רשעים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- הרגו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צדיק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בביתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- משכבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ועתה: CONJ
- הלוא: PART
- אבקש: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- דמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss3ms
- מידכם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,pl
- ובערתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- מן: PREP
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Gen.9.6 (verbal): A foundational legal principle: 'Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed.' Mirrors David's demand to require the blood of the murderers.
- Num.35.33 (structural): Law concerning bloodguilt and land defilement—bloodshed pollutes the land and must be avenged/removed—parallels David's rationale for executing the killers and 'taking you away from the earth.'
- Deut.19.10-13 (structural): Deuteronomic instructions for purging evil from Israel and dealing with a secret murderer/avenger of blood; provides the legal/thematic background for demanding punishment of those who murdered a righteous man in his house.
- 1Kgs.2.31-33 (thematic): Solomon's orders to punish bloodguilt (and language of blood returning on one's head) echo the royal practice of executing murderers to cleanse the realm—parallels David's punitive action and language.
- Ps.106.38 (thematic): Speaks of innocent bloodshed polluting the land; thematically echoes the concern that homicide brings guilt upon the land and necessitates retributive action as expressed in 2 Samuel 4:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- How much more, then, since wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed—shall I not now demand his blood from you and cut you off from the earth?
- How much more, then, when wicked men have slain a righteous man in his own house on his bed—shall I not demand his blood from you and purge you from the earth?”
2 S.4.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הנערים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויהרגום: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- ויקצצו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- ידיהם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- ואת: CONJ
- רגליהם: NOUN,f,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- ויתלו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- על: PREP
- הברכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בחברון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשת: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לקחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויקברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בקבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבנר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחברון: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 4:5-8 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same episode: these verses narrate the murder of Ish‑bosheth by Rechab and Baanah and the taking of his head to David—the direct lead‑in to David's execution of the murderers in v.12.
- 2 Samuel 3:27-30 (thematic): Joab's murder of Abner and David's public condemnation (and lament) form a thematic counterpart: both passages involve politically motivated killings and show David distancing himself from unauthorized assassinations and treating such killers as criminals.
- 2 Samuel 3:31-32 (structural): Abner's burial in Hebron and David's formal lament in these verses are structurally linked to 4:12, which records that Ish‑bosheth's head was buried 'in Abner's tomb at Hebron,' tying the two burials and their political/religious significance together.
- 1 Samuel 31:10-13 (thematic): The Philistines' hanging of Saul and his sons on the wall of Beth‑shan and the later retrieval and burial of their bodies by Israelites parallels the motif of public display of royal remains and subsequent burial practices evident in 4:12.
- 1 Samuel 17:54 (thematic): David's taking of Goliath's head as proof/trophy parallels the motif of severed heads as political/military tokens; in 4:12 the handling and ultimate burial of Ish‑bosheth's head carries related symbolic and legitimizing significance.
Alternative generated candidates
- So David commanded the young men, and they killed them; they cut off their hands and their feet and hanged them by the pool at Hebron. And they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in Abner's tomb at Hebron.
- So David commanded the young men, and they killed them, cut off their hands and their feet, and hung them up by the pool at Hebron. They took the head of Ish‑Bosheth and buried it in the tomb of Abner at Hebron.
And when Ish-bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner was dead at Hebron, his hands were slack, and all Israel was dismayed. And there were two men, captains of raiding bands belonging to Saul; the name of one was Baanah and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin—for Beeroth is also reckoned to Benjamin. And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have been residents there until this day. And Jonathan son of Saul had a son who was lame in both feet. He was five years old when the tidings concerning Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel. His nurse took him up and fled; and as she hurried to flee, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth. Now the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, came; and they came into the house of Ish-bosheth while he lay on his bed at noon. And they came into the inner part of the house to fetch wheat, and struck him under the fifth rib; and Rechab and Baanah his brother fled.
They entered the house—he lay on his bed in his chamber; they struck him and he died, and they cut off his head. They took the head and went by the way of the Arabah all night. And they brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron, and said to the king, “Behold the head of Ish-bosheth son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life; the LORD has avenged my lord the king this day of Saul and his seed.”
Then David answered Rechab and Baanah the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my soul out of every trouble,
—when one told me, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ and that one thought to bring good news, I seized him and killed him at Ziklag; that was the reward I gave him for his news.
How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous man in his house on his bed—shall I not now require his blood from your hand and purge you from the earth?” So David commanded the young men, and they killed them; and they cut off their hands and their feet, and hung them up beside the pool at Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in the tomb of Abner at Hebron.