2 Samuel 4: Ish-Bosheth Takes a Nap and David Gets a Head

The Rev. Dr. Peter Elliot, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle, WA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study 2 Samuel 4.

A king in danger, a plot to kill, and a surprise twist. Ish-Bosheth, Saul’s son and rival king of David, is in trouble. His strongest ally is dead, and his kingdom is crumbling. He doesn’t know who to trust or what to do. Two of his own commanders have a plan to end his misery and secure their future. They sneak into his bedroom and do something unthinkable. They think they have done a great service to David, but they are in for a shock when they meet him face to face. How will David react to their deed? What will happen to Ish-Bosheth’s legacy?

2 Samuel tells how David becomes the king of Israel and faces both success and failure. It shows YHWH's faithfulness to His promise and David’s need for His mercy. Through this book, God reveals David in times of both strength and weakness, but nevertheless as a man after God’s heart.