Topical Bible: Murder: Princes of Israel

◄ Murder: Princes of Israel ►

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The Bible records several instances of murder involving the princes of Israel, highlighting the moral and spiritual decline that can occur even among those in positions of authority. These accounts serve as cautionary tales and underscore the importance of adhering to God's commandments.

1. Absalom's Murder of Amnon: One of the most notable instances of murder among the princes of Israel is the killing of Amnon by his half-brother Absalom. This event is recorded in 2 Samuel 13. Amnon, the firstborn son of King David, committed a grievous sin by violating his half-sister Tamar. Absalom, Tamar's full brother, harbored a deep-seated hatred for Amnon and, after two years, orchestrated his murder during a feast. The Berean Standard Bible recounts, "Absalom ordered his young men, 'Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine. Then strike him down, and do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous!'" (2 Samuel 13:28). This act of vengeance led to a series of tragic events, including Absalom's eventual rebellion against his father, King David.

2. Adonijah's Death: Another significant event is the execution of Adonijah, another son of David, who attempted to usurp the throne from Solomon. After Solomon was established as king, Adonijah sought to marry Abishag, David's former concubine, which was perceived as a political move to claim the throne. Solomon, perceiving this as a threat to his reign, ordered Adonijah's execution. The Berean Standard Bible states, "So King Solomon sent Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who struck down Adonijah, and he died" (1 Kings 2:25). This incident illustrates the political intrigue and the lengths to which individuals would go to secure power.

3. The Assassination of Ish-bosheth: Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, was murdered by two of his own captains, Rechab and Baanah, as recorded in 2 Samuel 4. They killed him while he was resting in his house, hoping to gain favor with David. However, David condemned their treachery, saying, "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!" (2 Samuel 4:9-10). David then ordered their execution, demonstrating his commitment to justice and the sanctity of life.

4. The Killing of Abner: Abner, the commander of Saul's army, was murdered by Joab, David's military commander, in an act of revenge for the death of his brother Asahel. This event is detailed in 2 Samuel 3. Despite Abner's efforts to bring the tribes of Israel under David's rule, Joab deceitfully lured him into a private meeting and killed him. David lamented Abner's death, declaring, "Do you not realize that a prince and a great man has fallen in Israel this day?" (2 Samuel 3:38). This murder complicated the unification of Israel under David's kingship and highlighted the personal vendettas that could disrupt national peace.

These accounts of murder among the princes of Israel reveal the destructive nature of sin and the consequences of deviating from God's laws. They serve as reminders of the need for righteousness and justice, especially among those in leadership.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 11:6
You have multiplied your slain in this city, and you have filled the streets thereof with the slain.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
... The murder of Abel was not punished solely on Cain, but also on his family. ... When
sundry of the princes of Israel rebelled against God in the wilderness, and ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxix the sins of.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... Thus, after the princes of Israel had sworn to the Gibeonites that they ... Joshua
9:15.2 Sam 21: 1. Here were two sins bound together, perjury and murder. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... Wherefore Israel of old were checked, under a supposition of placing their hope
for ... better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in princes' (Psalm 118:8 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Judges
... the incursions of the Midianites, and the princes slain are ... priceless song of
Deborah[1] (v.). Israel's battles are ... Jael is praised for a murder which was a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/judges.htm

The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem.
... on the scene dates the decline of Israel's national cause. ... were cut down, and the
two princes strangled in ... cruelty and bloodshed, in which the murder of the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the personal history.htm

From Megiddo to Carchemish, 608-605.
... on shedding of innocent blood, Doing outrage and murder. ... a popular tradition and
conscience in Israel more sound ... agreement with them were the princes, the lay ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/1 from megiddo to carchemish.htm

The Nations of the North-East
... The summer residences of the Hittite princes were on the eastern ... A common enmity
united Hamath and Israel. ... The murder of Joab, and the unwarlike character and ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

The First-Fruits of the Gentiles
... of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda ... joyful eagerness to worship
the King of Israel, with the ... after which he may have meant to murder them too. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the first-fruits of the gentiles.htm

Weighed in the Balances
... at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives ... twice, and spoke them aloud
in the hearing of Israel. ... the greatest injury to life is murder; to chastity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/weighed in the balances.htm

The Hard-Heartedness of the Jews, for whom the Christians Pray.
... with the elders of the people and the princes thereof ... 2467] the word of the Lord,
the Holy One of Israel. ... of it; but so far from that, ye hate and murder us who ...
/.../chapter cxxxiii the hard-heartedness of the.htm