12So David gave an order to his men, and they killed them. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies by the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-Bosheth and buried it in Abner’s tomb at Hebron.
When our Western ears hear these words, we cringe in horror. But when you back up and understand the reason behind these actions, then they make sense. David is in the process of becoming king over all of Israel. Years earlier Samuel had anointed him, symbolizing that he was the king, although he did not yet sit on the throne. Now years later the former king is dead and some of people want to take justice into their own hands. Some want to climb the political ladder by helping to eliminate potential rivals to David. But David knows that the reason he is to be king is because of the Lord’s work, not because of some earthly battle or political victory. He wants to stop the needless killing that has plagued the political rivalries of the recent years. So, he makes an example of this pair of men who killed an innocent man as part of their attempt to get in tight with the new king. David then provides dignity to the innocent victim by burying his remains. When the Lord is in charge, we don’t have to fight the battles the way others do. We don’t have to resort to power moves. We have to be obedient and patient. The Lord will accomplish His will. Let’s not get in the way.
The Arnold Journey 