Rechab, the son of Rimmon, is a biblical figure known for his involvement in the murder of Ish-Bosheth, the son of King Saul. His account is primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Second Book of Samuel.

Background and Family

Rechab was a member of the tribe of Benjamin, hailing from Beeroth, a town that was considered part of the territory of Benjamin. He, along with his brother Baanah, served as captains in the army of Ish-Bosheth, who was the son of Saul and the king of Israel at the time. The Beerothites, including Rechab and his family, were considered Gibeonites who had been assimilated into the tribe of Benjamin.

The Murder of Ish-Bosheth

The political landscape during Rechab's time was marked by tension and division following the death of King Saul. Ish-Bosheth, Saul's son, was made king over Israel, while David was anointed king over Judah. The house of Saul and the house of David were in conflict, vying for control over the united kingdom of Israel.

Rechab and his brother Baanah saw an opportunity to gain favor with David by assassinating Ish-Bosheth. In 2 Samuel 4:5-7 , it is recorded that Rechab and Baanah 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 through the night, carrying Ish-Bosheth's head to David in Hebron.

Presentation to David and Execution

Upon reaching David, Rechab and Baanah presented the head of Ish-Bosheth, expecting to be rewarded for eliminating David's rival. They declared to David, "Here is the head of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life. Today the LORD has granted vengeance to my lord the king against Saul and his offspring" (2 Samuel 4:8).

However, David's response was not what Rechab and Baanah anticipated. David, a man after God's own heart, upheld justice and righteousness, refusing to condone murder, even of his enemies. In 2 Samuel 4:9-11 , David rebuked them, recalling how he had previously executed the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul, expecting a reward. David declared that wicked men who killed a righteous man in his own house should not go unpunished.

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

Legacy

Rechab's actions and subsequent execution serve as a testament to the biblical principle that God values justice and righteousness. David's refusal to reward treachery and murder highlights the importance of integrity and the sanctity of life, even amidst political turmoil. Rechab's account is a sobering reminder of the consequences of seeking personal gain through unrighteous means.2 Samuel 4:5-12
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

What is the story of David and Ish-Bosheth? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about 2 Samuel | GotQuestions.org

Who were Rechab and Baanah? | GotQuestions.org

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