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.
When they entered the house, they found him lying on his bed in his bedroom. They struck him down and killed him, then cut off his head. Taking his head with them, they traveled through the countryside all night long.
This verse describes the brutal assassination of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son, by two of his own men who then fled with his head as proof of their deed.
📚 Historical Context
This event occurred during the civil war period after King Saul's death, when his son Ish-bosheth ruled the northern tribes while David ruled Judah in the south. Two of Ish-bosheth's military captains, Rechab and Baanah, murdered him in his own home, likely hoping to gain favor with David by eliminating his rival claimant to the throne.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.