David’s kingdom was one where justice flowed for all. The guilty met justice, those whose blood was spilt unjustly received justice. In 2 Samuel 4, a little act of justice on David’s part points forward to the greater justice of David’s far-off son, Jesus. Jesus’ reign is one where justice will ultimately prevail, even though we may face injustice now. The guilty and unrepentant will face justice at the Last Day. The guilty and repentant receive mercy today, because Jesus bore God’s justice for us on the Cross.
The death of Abner would have sent shockwaves through the northern elite surrounding Ish-bosheth, the soon-to-be ex-king of Israel. While David’s actions in the previous chapter showed his clear upset at Abner’s death and Joab’s part in it, these actions would have taken time to work their way northwards. The news of Abner’s death, however, would have shot northwards like a bullet.
Not surprisingly, “when Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, heard that Abner had died at Hebron, his courage failed, and all Israel was dismayed” (v.1). Whose head was next for the chopping block in David’s regime change?
Two of Saul’s captains thought this was an opportunity to switch sides and gain favour with the new king in town. They are introduced for the sake of recorded history as Baanah and Rechab (vv.2-3).
These two men moved to secure their future in the north. Ish-bosheth sat shaking. Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son, was swept up in his nurse’s arms and swept away to safety (v.4). The mighty house of Saul was not something to fear anymore.
Into this situation, two “brave” captains snuck into cowering Ish-bosheth’s room while he was taking a noon siesta, killed him, cut off his head to prove it, and then ran off through the night to King David (vv.5-7). There was no courage displayed here; Saul’s house is a frail, crippled remnant of its might.
On the way, no doubt Baanah and Rechab got their story lined up. Worked out how to spin it for their own advantage. Slather a heavy spread of theological support for their sinful actions to justify it.
And so it proved. They arrived at David’s court and presented the head. “The LORD has avenged my lord the king this day on Saul and on his offspring” they piously claimed (v.8). What were they but God’s instruments?
If they were looking for a promotion, they had come to the wrong place. David’s response ironically cut their theological feet from under them. ”As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life out of every adversity…” (v.9). David had God as his protector and redeemer, he did not need self-appointees.
In fact, David already had precedent to rely on for men like Baanah and Rechab. In chapter 1, he killed a man who claimed to have killed King Saul (vv.9-10). “How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood at your hand and destroy you from the earth?” (v.11)
The judgement was rendered. Baanah and Rechab were killed and dismembered, and their bodies hung on a tree as a curse (Deut. 21:22-3). Ish-bosheth’s head was given a proper burial, next to Abner at Hebron (v.12). Justice for all involved in this sorry affair.
Ish-bosheth should never have faced such a fate, especially not at the hands of men looking to improve their circumstances. While Ish-bosheth could not enjoy it in this life, David rendered justice for the injustice he faced.
Injustice also occurs in our day. Christ’s church faces oppression and injustice the world over. We might face prejudice for our beliefs. Some face death for the sake of Christ in various lands. One day, King Jesus will render justice for these injustices.
Worse still, even in the Church injustice occurs today. We sin against each other, and clothe it in righteous piety. Refusing discipline because Christ forgives (so I can keep on sinning then?). Using position and power to hurt and abuse Christ’s sheep, and then claiming it as God’s Will. Like David, Christ’s undershepherds (the elders) must pursue justice. Whether it is delivered or not, Christ will render justice. The guilty and unrepentant will receive justice at the Last Day.
Yet what of the guilty and repentant? What does this passage offer for you? Firstly, hope, because you will be vindicated before those who act with injustice now.
Secondly, King Jesus did not leave us to face God’s righteous justice alone. Instead, he offered himself up as a sacrifice on the Cross, as we particularly celebrate every Easter. Jesus took the pain of God’s justice on himself, that we may be declared just before God and receive mercy.
If we trust in Jesus, all our injustices are placed on Christ, who bore our curse as he hung on the tree. The unjust made just by Christ’s sacrifice, so the demand of justice would be met.
In David’s kingdom, Ish-bosheth’s death received justice. In Christ’s kingdom, there is justice for all.
