2 Samuel 4

2 Samuel 4:1

WEre feeble] That is, became weak both in courage and counsell. So Chap. 17. 2. Isai. 13. vers. 7.

were troubled] With the suddennesse of this ill news, because they knew not what would becoe of the treaty of peace and reconciliation, Abner being dead, who did negotiate it.

2 Samuel 4:2

Sauls son] That is, Ish-bosheth.

of bands] Used to rove and spoil. So Chap. 3. 22.

other] Heb. second.

of Beniamin] See Joshua 9:17. and Joshua 18:25. Though now the Philistines possessed it, the Benjamites after Sauls discomfiture being fled out of it, 1 Samuel 31:7.

2 Samuel 4:3

Gittaim] Some think that there were two cities of this name; one in Benjamin, Nehemiah 11:33. another in the south frontiers of Judah, whither these Beerothites fled and inhabited; which they liked so well, that they returned not to their own city, to the time that this story was written.

2 Samuel 4:4

of Saul] That is, of their overthrow and death, 2 Sam. 32.

Jezreel] Where the battell was fought and lost, 1 Samuel 29:1.

Mephibosheth] Called also Merib-baal, 1 Chronicles 8:34.

2 Samuel 4:5

went] That is, seeing all things grew worse and worse with him, and that David was likely to be king of all Israel, they resolved to slay him; and to this end now came, thinking hereby to gratifie David, and to endear their service; presuming of impunity, because there was none to revenge his death but Mephibosheth, who was but a childe, and also lame.

2 Samuel 4:6

fetched wheat] To wit, having disguised themselves in the habite of such as come to buy corn; or of porters, that came to carry away some that had been bought.

fifth rib] See Chap. 2. 23.

2 Samuel 4:7

away] From Mahanaim, where Ish-bosheth resided, Chap. 2. 8. 3. 27.

the plain] That is, between Jericho and Hebron.

thine enemie] They commend their service in killing I shbosheth, by putting him in minde of Sauls enmity, which they in this fact had revenged upon his son.

2 Samuel 4:10

one told me] Chap. 1. 4, 5.

Saul is dead] Saying withall, That upon Sauls request he did but help to kill him, and rid him out of pain, Chap. 1. 10.

thinking to have brought good tidings] Hebr. he was in his own eyes as a bringer, &c.

who though that I would have given him a reward for his tidings] Or, which was the reward I gave him for his tidings.

2 Samuel 4:11

How much more] To wit, ought I severely to punish such as you, seeing neither the example of him that said he slew Saul, nor duty to your master, nor the innocency of the person, nor reverence of the place nor time, did deter you from committing such a treacherous and bloody fact.

a righteous] That is, who had done you no wrong.

2 Samuel 4:12

sepulchre of Abner] Chap. 3. 32.