2 Samuel 4:3

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

because the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have lived there as foreigners to this day.

American Standard Version (1901)

and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and have been sojourners there until this day).

Bible in Basic English

But the people of Beeroth had gone in flight to Gittaim, where they have been living to this day.)

Douay-Rheims 1899

And the Berothites fled into Gethaim, and were sojourners there until that time.

Free Bible Version

because the people who had lived in Beeroth before ran away to Gittaim and lived there as foreigners right up to the present.

Geneva Bible 1599

Because the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and soiourned there, vnto this day).

King James (Authorized) Version

And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)

Translation for Translators

But the people of Beeroth had fled to Gittaim town, and they still live there.

Unlocked Literal Bible

and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have been living there until this very time).

Noah Webster Bible

And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and have been sojourners there until this day.)

World English Bible

and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and have lived as foreigners there until today).

Young's Literal Translation

and the Beerothites flee to Gittaim, and are there sojourners unto this day.

Context

The Murder of Ish-bosheth

²Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties. One was named Baanah and the other Rechab; they were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite of the tribe of Benjamin—Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin,³because the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have lived there as foreigners to this day.

Summary

This verse describes the story of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of King Saul, who became crippled at a young age. It highlights the tragic circumstances surrounding his disability, which occurred when his nurse dropped him while fleeing in panic upon hearing news of Saul and Jonathan's deaths. This event led to Mephibosheth being disabled for life, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of war and political turmoil. Despite his physical limitations, Mephibosheth later receives unexpected kindness and favor from King David, showcasing God's grace and provision in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

The Beerothites fled to Gittaim - Probably the same as Gath; as Ramathaim is the same as Ramah.

John Gill Bible Commentary

And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until that day. At the death of Saul, when many of the Israelites deserted their cities, and left them to the Philistines, Sa1 31:7; and so the inhabitants of Beeroth forsook their city, which was near the Philistines, and went to Gittaim, a city in the same tribe, though a little further off, see Neh 11:33. . 2 Samuel 4:4 sa2 4:4 sa2 4:4 sa2 4:4And Jonathan, Saul's son,.... His eldest son, who died at the same time with him: had a son that was lame of his feet; of both feet, which were broken or bruised by a fall, as later related: and he was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel: that is, when the tidings of their death came from Jezreel, the place where the battle was fought in which they died, to Gibeah, and the royal palace there; so that he was now twelve years of age: and his nurse took him up and fled; fearing the Philistines would come thither and destroy the family of Saul; and this child being the son of Jonathan, the eldest son of Saul, was by birth heir to the crown, his father and grandfather being both dead, and which might make the nurse the more solicitous to save his life by flight: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame; in her hurry and fright he dropped out of her arms, and had some bone broken or dislocated, which was never rightly replaced, or had some contusion, of which he was never cured: and his name was Mephibosheth, called Meribbaal, Ch1 8:34; of the change of such names See Gill on Sa2 2:8. This story of Mephibosheth, and of his nurse's flight with him, and what happened upon it, is here inserted on occasion of the flight of the Beerothites, Sa2 4:3; but chiefly to observe in what condition Saul's family now was, and what encouraged the murderers of Ishbosheth to be guilty of the crime they were, since when he was taken off, there was none but this lame child of that family; and as the removal of Ishbosheth would be of so much service to David, they doubted not but it would be very acceptable to him, and they should be greatly rewarded and honoured; and which they might do with the greatest safety, since the nearest kinsman and avenger of blood was so young, and lame of both his feet: or rather this is mentioned to show that Ishbosheth had no right to the throne, his eldest brother's son being living; so that those murderers might think they did the right thing, to take away the life of an usurper.