Topical Bible: Homicide: Felonious: Rechab and Baanah

◄ Homicide: Felonious: Rechab and Baanah ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Rechab and Baanah were two brothers, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, who are infamously known for their felonious act of homicide against Ish-bosheth, the son of King Saul. Their account is recounted in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Samuel 4.

Background Context

Following the death of Saul and his sons, the kingdom of Israel was divided. David was anointed king over Judah, while Ish-bosheth, Saul's surviving son, was made king over Israel by Abner, the commander of Saul's army. This division led to a prolonged conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David.

The Crime

Rechab and Baanah, who were captains of raiding bands under Ish-bosheth, saw an opportunity to gain favor with David by assassinating Ish-bosheth. They entered Ish-bosheth's house during the heat of the day while he was taking his midday rest. The Berean Standard Bible recounts their treacherous act: "They entered the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped away" (2 Samuel 4:6).

After murdering Ish-bosheth, they beheaded him and traveled through the night to bring his head to David in Hebron, expecting a reward for their deed.

David's Response

Contrary to their expectations, David was not pleased with their actions. He viewed the murder of Ish-bosheth as a heinous crime, an act of treachery against an innocent man in his own home. David's response is recorded in 2 Samuel 4:9-11 : "But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, 'As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, when someone told me, "Look, Saul is dead," and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news! How much more, when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed, should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!'"

David then commanded his men to execute Rechab and Baanah. Their hands and feet were cut off, and their bodies were hung by the pool in Hebron as a public display of justice. The head of Ish-bosheth was buried in Abner's tomb in Hebron.

Theological Implications

The account of Rechab and Baanah serves as a stark reminder of the sanctity of life and the divine mandate against murder. Their actions, driven by ambition and a misguided sense of loyalty, were met with divine justice through David's adherence to God's laws. This narrative underscores the biblical principle that God is the ultimate judge of human actions and that justice will prevail according to His righteous standards.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 4:5-8
And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, who lay on a bed at noon.
Nave's Topical Index