This verse describes the assassination of Ish-bosheth, one of the sons of Saul who briefly ruled over part of Israel after Saul's death. Let's break it down:
"They came there into the middle of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat...": "They" refers to Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, who were captains in Ish-bosheth's army. They entered Ish-bosheth's house under the pretense of needing to collect wheat. This was a common and legitimate reason to be there, allowing them access without suspicion. It was a ruse to disguise their true murderous intent.
"...and they struck him in the body...": This is the act of the assassination. They attacked Ish-bosheth and fatally wounded him.
"...and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.": After committing the murder, Rechab and Baanah fled, presumably hoping to gain favor with David, who was the leading contender for the kingship of all Israel.
In summary:
Rechab and Baanah deceitfully entered Ish-bosheth's house under the guise of needing wheat, assassinated him, and then escaped, likely with the intention of seeking reward or recognition from David.
The verse highlights the treachery and political violence of the time, and foreshadows David's reaction to this act of murder, which is not one of gratitude but of justice.
This verse describes the assassination of Ish-bosheth, one of the sons of Saul who briefly ruled over part of Israel after Saul's death. Let's break it down:
"They came there into the middle of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat...": "They" refers to Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, who were captains in Ish-bosheth's army. They entered Ish-bosheth's house under the pretense of needing to collect wheat. This was a common and legitimate reason to be there, allowing them access without suspicion. It was a ruse to disguise their true murderous intent.
"...and they struck him in the body...": This is the act of the assassination. They attacked Ish-bosheth and fatally wounded him.
"...and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.": After committing the murder, Rechab and Baanah fled, presumably hoping to gain favor with David, who was the leading contender for the kingship of all Israel.
In summary:
Rechab and Baanah deceitfully entered Ish-bosheth's house under the guise of needing wheat, assassinated him, and then escaped, likely with the intention of seeking reward or recognition from David.
The verse highlights the treachery and political violence of the time, and foreshadows David's reaction to this act of murder, which is not one of gratitude but of justice.
