2 Samuel – Chapter 4

Old Testament12 Verses

Chapter Summary

2 Samuel 4 opens with the words: "And Isboseth the son of Saul heard that Abner was slain in Hebron: and his hands were weakened, and all Israel was troubled." The chapter centers on Saul, David and Jonathan. Across its 12 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and God's kingdom and kingship. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And Isboseth the son of Saul heard that Abner was slain in Hebron: and his hands were weakened, and all Israel was troubled.

2Now the son of Saul had two men captains of his bands, the name of the one was Baana, and the name of the other Rechab, the sons of Remmon a Berothite of the children of Benjamin: for Beroth also was reckoned in Benjamin.

3And the Berothites fled into Gethaim, and were sojourners there until that time.

4And Jonathan the son of Saul had a son that was lame of his feet: for he was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan from Jezrahel. And his nurse took him up and fled: and as she made haste to flee, he fell and became lame: and his name was Miphiboseth.

5And the sons of Remmon the Berothite, Rechab and Baana coming, went into the house of Isboseth in the heat of the day: and he was sleeping upon his bed at noon. And the doorkeeper of the house, who was cleansing wheat, was fallen asleep.

6And they entered into the house secretly taking ears of corn, and Rechab and Baana his brother stabbed him in the groin, and fled away.

7For when they came into the house, he was sleeping upon his bed in a parlour, and they struck him and killed him and taking away his head they went off by the way of the wilderness, walking all night.

8And they brought the head of Isboseth to David to Hebron: and they said to the king: Behold the head of Isboseth the son of Saul thy enemy who sought thy life: and the Lord hath revenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed.

9But David answered Rechab, and Baana his brother, the sons of Remmon the Berothite, and said to them: As the Lord liveth, who hath delivered my soul out of all distress,

10The man that told me, and said: Saul is dead, who thought he brought good tidings, I apprehended, and slew him in Siceleg, who should have been rewarded for his news.

11How much more now when wicked men have slain an innocent man in his own house, upon his bed, shall I not require his blood at your hand, and take you away from the earth?

12And David commanded his servants and they slew them: and cutting off their hands and feet, hanged them up over the pool in Hebron: but the head of Isboseth they took and buried in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.

Important Verses in 2 Samuel 4

And Isboseth the son of Saul heard that Abner was slain in Hebron: and his hands were weakened, and all Israel was troubled.

2 Samuel 4:1

And they entered into the house secretly taking ears of corn, and Rechab and Baana his brother stabbed him in the groin, and fled away.

2 Samuel 4:6

But David answered Rechab, and Baana his brother, the sons of Remmon the Berothite, and said to them: As the Lord liveth, who hath delivered my soul out of all distress,

2 Samuel 4:9

And David commanded his servants and they slew them: and cutting off their hands and feet, hanged them up over the pool in Hebron: but the head of Isboseth they took and buried in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron.

2 Samuel 4:12

Historical Context

2 Samuel addresses israel, taught that even great kings stand under God's law and mercy within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 4 of 24 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 12 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Saul, David, Jonathan and Abner, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. It opens with the line: "And Isboseth the son of Saul heard that Abner was slain in Hebron: and his hands were weakened, and all Israel was…" The final verse reads: "And David commanded his servants and they slew them: and cutting off their hands and feet, hanged them up over the pool…" In terms of historical background, Second Samuel chronicles David's forty-year reign: the capture of Jerusalem, the bringing of the Ark, God's covenant promise of an everlasting dynasty (2 Sam 7), and David's grave sins and repentance. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of 2 Samuel around Events of about 1010-970 BC; compiled during the monarchy or exile.

Who Wrote It

Court traditions compiled by inspired editors, drawing on records of Nathan and Gad

When It Was Written

Events of about 1010-970 BC; compiled during the monarchy or exile

Catholic Commentary

In this 12-verse narrative, the sacred author records events that advance the story of David's reign and the Davidic covenant. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And Isboseth the son of Saul heard that Abner was slain in Hebron: and his hands were weakened, and all Israel was troubled." The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1700). Here, the promise to David finds fulfillment in Christ, Son of David (CIC 437-439). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize family and covenant relationships as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God establishes an eternal kingdom. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, 2 Samuel 4 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.
  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.

People in This Chapter

Saul7 mentionsDavid3 mentionsJonathan2 mentionsAbner2 mentions

Reflection for Today

2 Samuel Chapter 4 belongs to the Old Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. the promise to David finds fulfillment in Christ, Son of David (CIC 437-439). Here the believer is invited to ponder the beatitudes as a program of life.

May your reading of 2 Samuel Chapter 4 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God establishes an eternal kingdom applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2 Samuel Chapter 4 about?

2 Samuel 4 contains 12 verses. It opens with "And Isboseth the son of Saul heard that Abner was slain in Hebron: and his hands were weakened, and all Israel was…" and closes with "And David commanded his servants and they slew them: and cutting off their hands and feet, hanged them up over the pool…". The book as a whole is historical narrative.

What is a key verse in 2 Samuel 4?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And Isboseth the son of Saul heard that Abner was slain in Hebron: and his hands were weakened, and all Israel was troubled." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in 2 Samuel Chapter 4?

This chapter mentions Saul, David, Jonathan, Abner.

Who wrote 2 Samuel and when?

Court traditions compiled by inspired editors, drawing on records of Nathan and Gad. Events of about 1010-970 BC; compiled during the monarchy or exile.

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