2 Samuel 4:5

“And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, etc.] From Gittaim, where they were sojourners, (<100403>2 Samuel 4:3); or from the army, where they had commissions, wherever it was: and came, about the heat of the day; the middle of the day, at noon, as follows: to the house of Ishbosheth; which was at Mahanaim: who lay on a bed at noon; as was usual in hot countries, especially for great personages, as kings; so the Targum, “and he was sleeping the sleep of kings;” or at a time when king’s usually slept; though this is remarked by some as an instance and proof of the sluggishness and inactivity of this prince, who left the management of all affairs to Abner his general, and…”

“Rechab and Baanah went and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ish-bosheth, &c.--It is still a custom in the East to allow their soldiers a certain quantity of corn, together with some pay; and these two captains very naturally went to the palace the day before to fetch wheat, in order to distribute it to the soldiers, that it might be sent to the mill at the accustomed hour in the morning.”

“Lay on a bed at noon - Render, “was taking his midday rest,” according to the custom of hot countries. return to 'Top of Page'”

“went: Ch2 24:25, Ch2 25:27, Ch2 33:24 lay on a bed: It is customary, in all hot countries, to travel or work very early and very late, and to rest at noon, at which time the heat most prevails. Sa2 11:2; Kg1 16:9; Pro 24:33, Pro 24:34; Th1 5:3-7 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 4:6”