Baanah בַּעֲנָה
A captain who murdered Ish-bosheth, Saul's son.
Who is Baanah in the Bible?
Baanah was a captain and one of two brothers who assassinated Ish-bosheth, the son of King Saul, as recorded in 2 Samuel 4:2-9. Along with his brother Rechab, Baanah murdered the sleeping king in his own house, hoping to gain favor and reward from David, who at that time ruled Judah while Ish-bosheth ruled Israel. Rather than rewarding them, David condemned their treacherous act as wickedness and ordered both men executed, refusing to benefit from the assassination of his rival. Baanah's story illustrates that murder motivated by self-interest and political ambition ultimately brings judgment rather than advancement, and demonstrates David's integrity in refusing to condone violence against Saul's family despite the political opportunity it presented.
Biography
Baanah was one of the two captains who assassinated Ish-bosheth, the son of King Saul. After Saul's death, Ish-bosheth had been proclaimed king over Israel, while David ruled over Judah. According to 2 Samuel 4, Baanah and his brother Rechab, who were Benjamites from Beeroth, entered Ish-bosheth's house while he was resting and killed him. They brought his head to David, hoping to be rewarded. However, David condemned their treacherous act and ordered their execution. The text describes Baanah and Rechab as wicked men who murdered an innocent person. Their actions were motivated by self-interest rather than loyalty. David's response demonstrated his integrity and respect for Saul's family, as he refused to condone violence against his rivals.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Samuel 4 verses
- 2 Samuel 4:2
"Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties. One was named Baanah and the other Rechab; they were sons of Rimmon the Beerothite of the tribe of Benjamin—Beeroth is considered part of Benjamin,"
- 2 Samuel 4:5
"Now Rechab and Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, set out and arrived at the house of Ish-bosheth in the heat of the day, while the king was taking his midday nap."
- 2 Samuel 4:6
"They entered the interior of the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped away."
- 2 Samuel 4:9
"But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As surely as the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life from all distress,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | בַּעֲנָה |