2 Samuel 4:1

“And when Saul’s son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, etc.] By Saul’s son is meant Ishbosheth, to whom tidings were soon brought of the death of Abner his general, and that he died in Hebron, where David his rival reigned, and was there murdered by Joab the general of his army: his hands were feeble: not only in a natural sense, being quite dispirited at hearing such news; but in a civil sense, having lost his main support and strength, he being president of his council, and commander of his forces, and in whom he placed all his confidence: and if he knew nothing of his being at Hebron, it must surprise him to hear of his dying there; from whence he might conclude, that since he was there…”

“BAANAH AND RECHAB SLAY ISH-BOSHETH, AND BRING HIS HEAD TO HEBRON. (Sa2 4:1-2) Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet--This is mentioned as a reason why, according to Oriental notions, he was considered unfit for exercising the duties of sovereignty.”

“4:1 all Israel became paralyzed with fear: Abner’s true power was evident in Ishbosheth’s reaction to his death (cp. Josh 2:9-11; 5:1). Ishbosheth’s timidity bred the same among his followers.”

“his hands: Sa2 17:2; Ezr 4:4; Neh 6:9; Isa 13:7, Isa 35:3; Jer 6:24, Jer 50:43; Zep 3:16 and all: Mat 2:2, Mat 2:3 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 4:2”

“Murder of Ishbosheth. - Sa2 4:1. When the son of Saul heard of the death of Abner, "his hands slackened," i.e., he lost the power and courage to act as king, since Abner had been the only support of his throne. "And all Israel was confounded;" i.e., not merely alarmed on account of Abner's death, but utterly at a loss what to do to escape the vengeance of David, to which Abner had apparently fallen a victim. Sa2 4:2-3 Saul's son had two leaders of military companies (for בן־שׁאוּל היוּ we must read שׁ לבן היוּ): the one was named Baanah, the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, "of the sons of Benjamin," i.e., belonging to them; "for Beeroth is also reckoned to Benjamin" (על, over,…”