How does 2 Samuel 4:6 connect to Proverbs 6:16-19 on wickedness? Setting the scene • 2 Samuel 4 recounts the downfall of Saul’s dynasty. Ish-bosheth, Saul’s surviving son, rules a shrinking kingdom while David gains strength. • Two brothers, Rechab and Baanah, officers in Ish-bosheth’s army, seize an opportunity to advance themselves by murder. The deed in 2 Samuel 4:6 “And they entered the house as though to get wheat, and they struck him in the stomach; then Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped away.” • They pretend to collect provisions—deception. • They stab the unsuspecting king—premeditated murder. • They flee, taking the victim’s head to David—self-serving ambition. Proverbs 6:16-19 “There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and one who stirs up discord among brothers.” Point-by-point connections 1. Haughty eyes • Rechab and Baanah view themselves as able to decide who should reign, exalting their judgment over God’s anointed order (1 Samuel 24:6). 2. A lying tongue • “As though to get wheat”—their words and motives mask treachery (Psalm 28:3). 3. Hands that shed innocent blood • Ish-bosheth poses no present threat; he is murdered in his own bed (Exodus 20:13; Genesis 9:6). 4. A heart devising wicked schemes • The plan is carefully plotted: timing, disguise, escape route (James 1:15). 5. Feet quick to rush to evil • They act decisively, crossing moral lines for gain (Isaiah 59:7). 6. A false witness who pours out lies • They present the severed head to David, spinning the act as service to him (2 Samuel 4:8). 7. One who stirs up discord among brothers • Their murder undermines fragile unity in Israel, deepening tribal strife (2 Samuel 3:1). Divine response demonstrated • David, recognizing every element Proverbs condemns, orders their execution (2 Samuel 4:9-12). • Justice falls swiftly, illustrating God’s unwavering hatred of such wickedness (Psalm 101:7-8). Takeaways for our walk • Wickedness is multifaceted; one sin rarely stands alone. • God’s standards are consistent: what He hates in principle (Proverbs 6) He judges in practice (2 Samuel 4). • Ambition outside God’s will produces deception, violence, and division. • Faithful obedience rejects even “small” compromises that open the door to the seven abominations. |
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