United Nations

2 Samuel 4

I. Characters

A lot of death Abner, reluctant killer Joab, revengeful murderer David, remorseful king Ishbosheth, rejected king Rechab & Baanah, rewarded murderers

Gibeonite City

Josh.9:172 Sm.21

Mephibosheth (4)1) “He who spreads” [?] shame”2) Original form: Merib▪baal “(He who

strives for [?] the Lord”▪ 1 Chr.8:34; 9:40

Ishbosheth (8)3) “Man of shame”4) Original form: Esh▪baal

▪ 1 Chr.8:33; 9:39

The reward (7-8)1) Strange trophy: king’s head2) Enemy: appeal to David’s sense of

justice, revenge 3) Presume Lord authorizes deed

Theiridea

CreditGod

Please David

David (9-11)Credits Lord, 9 Past deliverance → future deliverance

Some believed conspiracy theory, 2 Sm.16:7-8

Calls upon legal precedent, 10 2 Sm.1, euthanasia, mercy killing…

Expected reward 2 Sm.4, murdered righteous man, 11Carries out justice, 12

I. Characters

II. Conclusions

1. We don’t know what another thinks/wants unless he tells us

2 Sm.1, 4 1 Co.2:11

2 Sm.6, ark2 Sm.7, temple

Evil acts often hide under bannerof serving God. Ac.26:9-11

Good intentions are not good

enough

2. Just because something pleases us does not mean it pleases God

1 Sm.15 2 Sm.4; 6; 7

Human desire often replaces God’s revelation. Mt.19; 22

Only safety: revelation, not

human desire.

3. Not all ‘good news’ is good, 8-13 David, 8-11 . . . Murderers, 12-13. Presumption…

Asks for severe punishment (12). Nu.15:30-36; Hb.2:2-3

Acts w/o authority of God; ignores Scripture. 2 Sm.6:1-8 = 5:20

Assumes role of God. Col.2:23 (18) –self-imposed religion

4. The end does not justify the means

God promised throne to David (1 Sm.13; 2 Sm.4:8)

In God’s own time and wayNOT by murdering a righteous man2 Sm.6, bringing ark to Jerusalem2 Sm.7, building TempleMt.28:19-20, evangelismAc.19, baptismEp.5:19, worship