Why Do They Believe David Will Reward Them?

The question “Why do they believe David will reward them?” arises from a dramatic moment recorded in the Second Book of Samuel, specifically in 2 Samuel 4. Two men—Rechab and Baanah—murder Ish-bosheth, the son of King Saul, and bring his head to King David. They assume David will reward them for eliminating his rival to the throne.

However, their expectation reveals a profound misunderstanding of David’s character, leadership, and commitment to justice. Instead of rewarding them, David condemns their actions and orders their execution. Understanding why they believed they would receive a reward sheds light on the political climate, human assumptions about power, and David’s moral leadership.

The Political Context of the Kingdom

At the time of this event, Israel was divided between two rival houses:

• The house of Saul, represented by Ish-bosheth

• The house of David, which ruled Judah

The conflict between these two houses created instability and uncertainty throughout Israel.

Key Political Factors

• Ish-bosheth’s leadership was weak after the death of Abner, his chief military commander.

• Many tribes were already shifting loyalty toward David.

• David had already been anointed king over Judah.

Because of these circumstances, Rechab and Baanah likely believed that eliminating Ish-bosheth would secure David’s full rule over Israel.

From their perspective, they had done David a political favor.

Their Assumption: Killing David’s Rival Would Bring Reward

Rechab and Baanah thought that killing Ish-bosheth would earn them honor, reward, and favor from David.

Reasons for Their Assumption

• They believed David wanted the throne immediately.

• Removing Ish-bosheth eliminated the last direct heir of Saul ruling Israel.

• Political assassinations were common in ancient power struggles.

They presented the head of Ish-bosheth to David and said:

“The LORD has avenged my lord the king this day on Saul and his offspring.”

Their statement suggests they believed they were acting in David’s interest and perhaps even fulfilling God’s will.

Influence of Earlier Events

Another reason they expected a reward comes from a similar earlier event involving an Amalekite in First Book of Samuel.

The Amalekite claimed he had killed King Saul and brought Saul’s crown and bracelet to David. He expected a reward for delivering the news and supposedly helping David gain the throne.

Rechab and Baanah likely assumed the same principle applied:

• Kill David’s enemy

• Bring proof of the act

• Receive favor from the king

However, they failed to recognize that David had already executed the Amalekite for killing Saul, the Lord’s anointed.

Misunderstanding David’s Character

The biggest mistake Rechab and Baanah made was misjudging David’s values.

David’s Known Principles

David had repeatedly demonstrated that he would not harm Saul or his family.

Examples include:

• David spared Saul’s life twice when he had the opportunity.

• He mourned Saul and Jonathan after their deaths.

• He publicly honored Saul despite years of persecution.

David believed that Saul had been God’s anointed king, and harming him or his household was a serious offense.

Because of this, David saw Ish-bosheth’s murder not as a service—but as a wicked act of violence.

The Moral Difference Between David and Political Assassins

Rechab and Baanah assumed David would act like many rulers in ancient history, where eliminating rivals was often rewarded.

Typical Ancient Political Behavior

• Kings rewarded those who removed threats.

• Assassins could gain power or position.

• Political violence was normalized.

But David operated differently.

David’s Ethical Leadership

David believed:

• God would establish his kingship in His own time.

• Murder and treachery were unacceptable means to gain power.

• Justice must prevail, even when politically inconvenient.

Because of these principles, David refused to benefit from bloodshed.

David’s Response to the Murder

Instead of rewarding the killers, David rebuked them strongly.

He reminded them of the earlier incident with the Amalekite who claimed to kill Saul and declared:

“When someone told me, ‘Saul is dead,’ thinking he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death.”

David then declared Ish-bosheth an innocent man who had been murdered in his own house while resting in bed.

David’s Judgment

David ordered that:

• Rechab and Baanah be executed.

• Their hands and feet be cut off.

• Their bodies displayed publicly as a warning.

Meanwhile, Ish-bosheth’s head was buried honorably in Abner’s tomb in Hebron.

This response reinforced David’s commitment to justice rather than opportunism.

Lessons from Their False Expectation

The story reveals several important themes about leadership, morality, and human assumptions.

1. Misjudging the Character of Leaders

Rechab and Baanah assumed David valued power more than righteousness.

They were wrong.

2. Power Does Not Justify Violence

The men believed political success justified assassination.

David showed that ends do not justify immoral means.

3. God’s Timing Cannot Be Forced

David refused to gain the throne through treachery.

He trusted God to fulfill His promise.

4. Justice Protects Leadership Integrity

By punishing the killers, David proved his rule would not be built on injustice.

Theological Significance

The event reinforces a central biblical theme: God’s kingdom is built on righteousness, not violence.

David’s reaction shows:

• Respect for God’s authority

• Reverence for human life

• Commitment to moral leadership

This moment also strengthened David’s reputation among the tribes of Israel. By refusing to reward murder, he demonstrated that his kingship would be just and honorable.

Conclusion

Rechab and Baanah believed David would reward them because they assumed that eliminating his rival would earn political favor. In their minds, they were helping David secure the throne of Israel. However, their expectation revealed a misunderstanding of David’s character and God’s principles.

David refused to accept power gained through treachery. Instead, he condemned the murder of Ish-bosheth and executed those responsible. His response emphasized that true leadership values justice, integrity, and trust in God’s timing over ambition and violence.

This story highlights the contrast between human schemes for power and the righteous standards that God expects from leaders.