Rechab is a biblical figure known for his involvement in a significant act of murder recorded in the Old Testament. He was one of the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. Rechab, along with his brother Baanah, is most notably recognized for the assassination of Ish-bosheth, the son of King Saul.

Biblical Account

The account of Rechab and Baanah's murder of Ish-bosheth is found in 2 Samuel 4. After the death of Saul and his son Jonathan, Ish-bosheth became king over Israel, while David reigned over Judah. The political landscape was tense, with David's influence growing stronger. Rechab and Baanah, seeking favor with David, conspired to kill Ish-bosheth.

The Bible narrates their treacherous act as follows:

"Now Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, set out and arrived at the house of Ish-bosheth in the heat of the day while he was taking his midday nap. 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 4:5-6)

After committing the murder, Rechab and Baanah brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron, expecting to be rewarded for eliminating his rival. They presented the head to David, claiming that the LORD had avenged David against Saul and his descendants.

David's Response

Contrary to their expectations, David did not commend Rechab and Baanah for their deed. Instead, he condemned their actions, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the justice of God. 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 me 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 ordered his men to execute Rechab and Baanah, demonstrating his commitment to justice and his rejection of treachery and murder as means to achieve political ends.

Theological Implications

The account of Rechab and Baanah highlights several theological themes, including the sanctity of life, the importance of justice, and the sovereignty of God in establishing leadership. David's reaction underscores the biblical principle that murder, even under the guise of political expediency, is abhorrent to God. The narrative also illustrates the belief that God, not human schemes, is the ultimate arbiter of justice and the one who raises and removes leaders according to His divine will.

Legacy

Rechab's legacy is marred by his involvement in the murder of Ish-bosheth. His actions serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of taking justice into one's own hands and the futility of attempting to manipulate God's plans through violence and treachery. The account of Rechab and Baanah remains a poignant reminder of the biblical call to uphold righteousness and justice in all circumstances.2 Samuel 4:5-7
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Letter Lviii. To Paulinus.
... [1741]. The dying robber, on the contrary, exchanges the cross for paradise and
turns to martyrdom the penalty of murder. ... [1777] The sons of Rechab too are of ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lviii to paulinus.htm

Adoption
... But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father ... evil
spirit - the spirit of Satan led Herod to incest, Ahab to murder, Judas to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/4 adoption.htm

Canaan
... The murder of the feeble scion of Saul's house who had the name of king ... last they
maintained their nomadic habits, and the Kenite family of Rechab still dwelt ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... Yea, 2. Even now, while the earthquake shook the prison, he had murder in his
heart"yea, and in his intentions too; murder, I say, and that of a high nature ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... And hence it is a reproach against Israel: [4805] "Ye gave my Nazarites wine to
drink." Jonadab, the son of Rechab, commanded his sons to drink no wine for ever ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
The Pharisee And Publican. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm

Why is "You shall not murder" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God mandate capital punishment for murder (Genesis 9:6)? | GotQuestions.org

Is abortion murder? | GotQuestions.org

Murder: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus