"THE CONSEQUENCES OF BETRAYAL"

Read 2 Samuel 4 together -

What is going on in this chapter?

What things stick out to you?

Proposition - As we come to our text this day we are going to focus in on what are the consequences of when someone betrays another person.

Interrogative Question - What are some practical ways to choose integrity over convenience in everyday situations?

1. Insecurity and Trepidation Revealed -

2 Samuel 4:1–3 NASB95

1 Now when Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel was disturbed. 2 Saul’s son had two men who were commanders of bands: the name of the one was Baanah and the name of the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the sons of Benjamin (for Beeroth is also considered part of Benjamin, 3 and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and have been aliens there until this day).

Who is Ish-bosheth?

What has happened to Abner?

How did Ish-bosheth respond to the news?

Tell me about Baanah and Rechab?

The ESV Study Bible (Chapter 4) 4:2–3 Beeroth is about 2 miles south of Gibeon and is one of the cities, led by Gibeon, that tricked Joshua into making a treaty with them (Josh. 9:17). The Beerothites had probably fled to Gittaim (which according to Neh. 11:33 was a city in Benjamin) at the time Saul put the Gibeonites to death (see 2 Sam. 21:1). Apparently after that the Benjaminites, including Rimmon and his family, came to live there. If this is correct, it suggests that the incident of the Gibeonites occurred early in Saul’s reign, since Rimmon, the father of Baanah and Rechab, is described as being “from Beeroth.” This passage stresses that those who killed Ish-bosheth were not partisans of David but were from Saul’s own tribe.

Logos AI - Perhaps you could highlight Ish-bosheth's fear and the shattered kingdom's state after Saul's death. This passage suggests the importance of stable leadership and the vulnerability it faces. It invites teens to reflect on the nature of fear and leadership, challenging them to remain steadfast and trust in Christ, who is our unshakeable King. It shows how betrayal, like Saul's captains' disloyalty, disrupts communities.

2. Unforeseen Grace Revealed -

2 Samuel 4:4 NASB95

4 Now Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the report of Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened that in her hurry to flee, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.

What kind of interactions did David and Jonathan have?

Who is Jonathan’s son? (How old was he?)

The MacArthur Study Bible (Chapter 4) 4:4 Mephibosheth. He may be introduced here to demonstrate that his youth and physical handicap disqualified him from being considered for ruling Israel. He would have been only 12 years old at the time of Ishbosheth’s death. For the history of this man, see 9:6–13; 16:1–4; 19:24–30; 21:7.

Logos AI - Maybe this verse about Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, could be used to illustrate God's unexpected provision in the midst of betrayal and turmoil. You could suggest that, like Mephibosheth, we may feel sidelined by life’s challenges, yet Christ invites us to His table. This passage invites you to see limitations as opportunities for God’s redemption and grace.

3. The Deceitful Paths Revealed -

2 Samuel 4:5–7 NASB95

5 So the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, departed and came to the house of Ish-bosheth in the heat of the day while he was taking his midday rest. 6 They came to the middle of the house as if to get wheat, and they struck him in the belly; and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. 7 Now when they came into the house, as he was lying on his bed in his bedroom, they struck him and killed him and beheaded him. And they took his head and traveled by way of the Arabah all night.

What does Baanah and Rechab do in these verses?

Who do they kill? (why do you think that the did this?)

Logos AI - You could illustrate how the captains' betrayal of Ish-bosheth highlights the treachery that brings temporary gain but ultimately leads to destruction. Perhaps this teaches about choosing integrity over convenience, reflecting on Christ's path of righteousness even when tempted by easier roads. This encourages a commitment to truth in all interactions and the courage to withstand peer pressure.

4. The Divine Justice Revealed -

2 Samuel 4:8–12 NASB95

8 Then they brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron and said to the king, “Behold, the head of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life; thus the Lord has given my lord the king vengeance this day on Saul and his descendants.” 9 David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress, 10 when one told me, saying, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news. 11 “How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood from your hand and destroy you from the earth?” 12 Then David commanded the young men, and they killed them and cut off their hands and feet and hung them up beside the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in the grave of Abner in Hebron.

Why do you think that they brought the head to David? (what were they hoping for?)

What things do you do in hopes that you will get a reward?

How does David react?

Logos AI - Consider reflecting on David's response to the captains' actions, which perhaps underscores the justice of God over human schemes. You might use this to remind teens that God’s justice prevails and faithfulness to Him will be rewarded. You might take this chance to contrast this with how Jesus forgives betrayal, offering hope and a chance for redemption.

SO WHAT?

How does the concept of betrayal in this passage relate to your personal experiences with trust and friendship?

In what ways have you seen God’s grace in situations that felt hopeless or filled with betrayal?

What can you learn from David's response to injustice and betrayal that can help you in your own life?

How can you actively choose integrity in your daily decisions, especially when faced with peer pressure?

Reflecting on Mephibosheth’s situation, how can you find strength in your own weaknesses or challenges?