Murderers Enter Ish-Bosheth'S Chamber

1When Saul’s son heard that Abner had died in Hebron, his hands became weak, and all Israel was alarmed.

2Saul’s son had two men who were commanders of raiding bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the second was Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, from the sons of Benjamin; for Beeroth also was considered part of Benjamin.

3But the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have lived there as sojourners to this day.

4Jonathan son of Saul had a son crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse picked him up and fled. And as she hurried to flee, he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.

5The sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rekab and Baanah, went and came to the house of Ish-bosheth in the heat of the day, while he was lying down for his midday rest.

6And there they came into the midst of the house, taking wheat, and they struck him in the belly. Then Rekab and Baanah his brother escaped.

7They came into the house while he was lying on his bed in his bedroom, and they struck him and put him to death. Then they removed his head, took his head, and went by way of the Arabah all night.