In 2 Samuel, chapter 4, we learn that there were consequences to murder, in the times of David. That God was not ok people harming the innocent. Especially when men of God deem that person righteous in God’s sight. This person, being Ishbosheth, Saul’s son, who was the king over the tribe of Benjamin. For he was killed unknowingly in his sleep by two different men, namely Rimmon and Rechab. This is that story… 1“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. And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and gat them away through the plain all night. And they brought the head of Ishbosheth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king, Behold the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul thine enemy, which sought thy life; and the Lord hath avenged my lord the king this day of Saul, and of his seed.” (2 Samuel 4:5-8) Wow, this is murder in the first degree and they even tried to justify their actions with David. However, because God was still with David, he knew exactly what to say to them because of what they had done. He did not say that these two men were justified in their killing of this man, but instead said that they would also have to be punished for what they had done.
Rimmon and Rechab were punished by David’s men. That punishment, you can read in the following verses… 1“And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the Lord liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity, When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth? And David commanded his young men, and they slew them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron. (2 Samuel 4:9-12) Now, you may think that what David did to these two men was extreme, and it is in the age we live in now. However, it wasn’t until Jesus came about that we learn that you should 2“love your enemies”. (Matthew 5:44) He also said, 2“ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38,39) Therefore, what David did would be wrong now, according to Jesus, but was not wrong according to the law of Moses. Praise God, however, that Jesus came to fulfill that law, that peace may reign upon the earth.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray for every person that has hurt me. These people do not know what they are doing, or else they would repent and allow Your love to carry themselves in this life. People would not be calling me and other people names if they knew what this was really doing to us. They would not be out starting a fight, but understand that the person’s life that they are harming is relied on by their family heavily, in order to be a good father or mother to their children. Truly, making other people feel bad is not what You have ever intended people to act like. Instead, they act out in their selfish ways, and the innocent are affected wrongfully. And though these people are wicked, because of their sins, I plead, Lord, that You will help me love such people. Even while they are hurting me or someone else I love, will I tell them about You and how You died for their sins on the cross. That through following You, they can be saved. You do have the power to cleanse us from all our sins. No matter what we have done in this life, there is still forgiveness and mercy. If these people that carry anger in their hearts could just experience what it means to be loved by You, then all this would be stopped. They would look to You in faith, as we have Lord. So I pray for people that are hurting inside, while causing harm upon others, will come to the feet of Your cross. May your brothers and sisters in the faith also show continued love to their enemies. I love You, God. You mean everything to me. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.