THE KING OF ISRAEL IS MURDERED

PROCLAMATION

“For when they came into the house, he lay on 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.”  2 Samuel 4:7 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God after the death of the prophet Samuel by Nathan the prophet and Gad the seer.  After the death of Abner, commander of Saul’s army, Ish-Bosheth, son of Saul and now king of Israel, lost his courage and became alarmed as did all of Israel. (2 Samuel 4:1)  The nurse who cared for Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth, who was lame in both feet, was also alarmed and picked him up and fled, but in her haste she dropped him injuring his legs even more. (2 Samuel 4:4)  Rekab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, were the leaders of raiding bands in Saul’s army and they set out for the house of Ish-Bosheth.  They found him in bed taking a noonday nap and they killed him and cut off his head and slipped away. (2 Samuel 4:5-7)  They brought the head of Ish-Bosheth to David saying here is the head of your enemy.  David told them what he did to the man who thought that he was bring him good news regarding the killing of Saul.  Then David told them that their reward for killing an innocent man in his own bed would be that their lives would be required of them.  David gave the order to kill them and cut of their hands and feet, and hang them by the pool in Hebron.  The head of Ish-Bosheth they took and buried in the tomb with Abner. (2 Samuel 4:8-12)

 

APPLICATION

Subordinates and coworkers may turn against you, or leave you for what they perceive to be a better opportunity.  To some people the grass always appears greener on the other side or in another yard.  This may not be true, but perception is nine tenths of reality and when they leave you will be left high and dry.  The best that we can do is to water our grass regularly.  Make sure that their responsibilities are clear to them.  Create a positive encouraging environment for people.  Give out frequent compliments, gifts, rewards, bonuses, and incentives for good work.  People tend to stay where they feel appreciated.  This also applies to our personal relationships.