This verse (2 Samuel 4:5) sets the stage for a pivotal and treacherous event in the story of David's rise to power. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"The sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah...": This introduces the two main actors in this verse: Rechab and Baanah. They are identified as the sons of a man named Rimmon, who was from Beeroth. Beeroth was a city in the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin.
"...went and came at about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth...": This indicates that Rechab and Baanah traveled to Ishbosheth's house during the hottest part of the day. The wording "went and came" suggests that their movements were not entirely straightforward or that they may have been lingering in the area.
"...as he took his rest at noon.": This is crucial. It tells us that Ishbosheth, who was one of Saul's sons and a rival claimant to the throne after Saul's death, was taking a midday nap. This would have made him vulnerable. It's a time when security would likely be more lax, and Ishbosheth would be less alert.
In summary, the verse paints a picture of a carefully planned assassination. Rechab and Baanah choose the hottest part of the day, when Ishbosheth is most vulnerable, to approach his house. This time allows them the opportunity to approach the house with less scrutiny. The verse creates a sense of foreboding and sets the scene for the treacherous act that is about to occur (they assassinate Ishbosheth). It's important to remember that this event is presented within the context of the power struggle following Saul's death and David's gradual ascent to the throne.
This verse (2 Samuel 4:5) sets the stage for a pivotal and treacherous event in the story of David's rise to power. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"The sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah...": This introduces the two main actors in this verse: Rechab and Baanah. They are identified as the sons of a man named Rimmon, who was from Beeroth. Beeroth was a city in the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin.
"...went and came at about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth...": This indicates that Rechab and Baanah traveled to Ishbosheth's house during the hottest part of the day. The wording "went and came" suggests that their movements were not entirely straightforward or that they may have been lingering in the area.
"...as he took his rest at noon.": This is crucial. It tells us that Ishbosheth, who was one of Saul's sons and a rival claimant to the throne after Saul's death, was taking a midday nap. This would have made him vulnerable. It's a time when security would likely be more lax, and Ishbosheth would be less alert.
In summary, the verse paints a picture of a carefully planned assassination. Rechab and Baanah choose the hottest part of the day, when Ishbosheth is most vulnerable, to approach his house. This time allows them the opportunity to approach the house with less scrutiny. The verse creates a sense of foreboding and sets the scene for the treacherous act that is about to occur (they assassinate Ishbosheth). It's important to remember that this event is presented within the context of the power struggle following Saul's death and David's gradual ascent to the throne.