And when Saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.

2 SAMUEL 4:1KJV
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2 Samuel 4:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 4:1 mean?

2 Samuel 4:1 describes how Saul’s son, upon hearing that Abner had died in Hebron, lost his courage and all the Israelites became anxious. The verse shows a moment of fear and instability among Saul’s remaining supporters after the death of a key leader.

In the story, Saul’s son (Ish-bosheth) is ruling over part of Israel after Saul’s death, while David is king in Hebron. Abner, Saul’s former commander, had been Ish-bosheth’s main supporter. When news comes that Abner is dead, Ish-bosheth feels powerless, and the people of Israel are shaken, unsure of what will happen next.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 4:1

  • "Feeble" comes from the Hebrew רָפָה (raphah), which means to become weak or lose strength. Here, it paints a vivid picture of Ish-bosheth’s hands dropping in fear, showing his loss of resolve and confidence.
  • "Troubled" is from the Hebrew בָּהַל (bahal), meaning to be alarmed or disturbed. This word highlights the widespread anxiety and confusion among the Israelites after Abner’s death.

Why 2 Samuel 4:1 matters

  • This verse helps explain why Ish-bosheth’s rule quickly unravels after Abner’s death; his authority depended heavily on Abner’s support.
  • The verse sets the stage for the transition of power from Saul’s house to David, showing how the loss of one leader can destabilize an entire group.
  • It clarifies that the Israelites’ fear was not just personal to Ish-bosheth but affected the whole nation, emphasizing the uncertainty and tension in Israel at this turning point.

Where else these words appear

“troubled” Hebrew H926 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 45:3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
  • Job 21:6 Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.
  • Psalms 104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

“feeble” Hebrew H7503 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 4:26 So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.
  • 1 Samuel 15:16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.
  • Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

“Abner” Hebrew H74 · used in 53 verses

  • 1 Samuel 14:50 And the name of Saul's wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz: and the name of the captain of his host was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul's uncle.
  • 2 Samuel 2:23 Howbeit he refused to turn aside: wherefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under the fifth rib, that the spear came out behind him; and he fell down there, and died in the same place: and it came to pass, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.
  • 2 Samuel 3:21 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel unto my lord the king, that they may make a league with thee, and that thou mayest reign over all that thine heart desireth. And David sent Abner away; and he went in peace.

“Hebron” Hebrew H2275 · used in 66 verses

  • Genesis 13:18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.
  • Joshua 21:11 And they gave them the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof round about it.
  • 2 Samuel 5:13 And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.