Rechab רֵכָב
A captain of Ishbosheth's army, with his brother Baanah
Who is Rechab in the Bible?
Rechab was a captain in the army of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, and served alongside his brother Baanah during the divided kingdom period described in 2 Samuel 4. After Saul's death, while David ruled Judah and Ishbosheth ruled Israel, Rechab and Baanah betrayed their king by assassinating him in his own house and bringing his head to David, hoping to win David's favor (2 Samuel 4:5-8). Rather than reward them, David condemned their treacherous act as murder and ordered their execution (2 Samuel 4:9-12). Rechab's role in Ishbosheth's death illustrates the political instability and violence of Israel's early monarchy, ultimately contributing to the unification of the kingdom under David's rule.
Biography
Rechab is mentioned in 2 Samuel as the brother of Baanah, both captains in the army of Ishbosheth, the son of Saul (2Sa.4.2). After the death of Saul, Ishbosheth was made king over Israel, while David reigned over Judah (2Sa.2.8-10). Baanah and Rechab, who were from the tribe of Benjamin, betrayed Ishbosheth by sneaking into his house while he was resting and murdering him (2Sa.4.5-7). They brought Ishbosheth's head to David, hoping to gain favor with him (2Sa.4.8). However, David condemned their treacherous act and ordered their execution (2Sa.4.9-12). The actions of Rechab's sons contributed to the downfall of Ishbosheth and the eventual unification of Israel under David's rule. The story highlights the political instability and violence that characterized the early days of David's reign.
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 | רֵכָב |