Ba'anah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the turbulent period following the death of King Saul and during the reign of King David. His account is primarily found in the book of 2 Samuel.

Background and Family

Ba'anah, along with his brother Rechab, was a son of Rimmon the Beerothite. Beeroth was one of the cities of the Gibeonites, which was later incorporated into the territory of the tribe of Benjamin (Joshua 18:25). The Beerothites fled to Gittaim and lived there as foreigners (2 Samuel 4:3).

Role in Ish-bosheth's Assassination

Ba'anah and Rechab are most notably recognized for their role in the assassination of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul. After the death of Abner, who had been the commander of Saul's army and a supporter of Ish-bosheth's claim to the throne, the kingdom of Israel was in disarray. Ish-bosheth's position was weakened, and the two brothers saw an opportunity to gain favor with David, who was then king over Judah.

In 2 Samuel 4:5-7 , the narrative describes how Ba'anah and Rechab entered Ish-bosheth's house during the heat of the day while he was taking his midday rest. They struck him down, killed him, and beheaded him. They then traveled all night, taking Ish-bosheth's head to David at Hebron, expecting a reward for their deed.

David's Response

Contrary to their expectations, David did not reward Ba'anah and Rechab for their treacherous act. Instead, he was appalled by their murder of an innocent man in his own house. David's response is recorded in 2 Samuel 4:9-12 , where he recalls how he had previously dealt with the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul, emphasizing his commitment to justice and righteousness. David ordered his men to kill Ba'anah and Rechab, and their hands and feet were cut off as a punishment. Their bodies were then hung by the pool in Hebron, while Ish-bosheth's head was buried in Abner's tomb.

Theological Significance

The account of Ba'anah and Rechab serves as a powerful illustration of the biblical principle that God’s anointed should not be harmed, and that justice and righteousness are paramount in the eyes of God. David's reaction underscores his respect for the sanctity of life and his commitment to ruling with integrity, even when dealing with his enemies. This narrative also highlights the chaotic and violent nature of the period as the kingdom transitioned from the house of Saul to the house of David.

Ba'anah's account is a sobering reminder of the consequences of treachery and the importance of seeking God's will rather than pursuing personal gain through unrighteous means.1195. Baana -- the name of several Israelites
... NASB Word Usage Baana (3). Baana, Baanah. The same as Ba'anah; Banana, the name
of four Israelite -- Baana, Baanah. see HEBREW Ba'anah. 1194, 1195. ...
/hebrew/1195.htm - 6kBa'anah (9 Occurrences)
Ba'anah. Baanah, Ba'anah. Baani . Multi-Version Concordance Ba'anah
(9 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 4:2 Ishbosheth, Saul's son, had two ...
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Baanah (10 Occurrences)
... ba'-a-na ba`anah, ("son of oppression"): (1) Captain in the army of Ish-bosheth
(2 Samuel 4:2). (2) Father of Iteleb, one of David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:29 ...
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Baani

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