271. Storing and Grinding Grain

From: Manners and Customs of the Bible By: James M. Freeman

2 Samuel 4:6 • 1 min. read • grade level: 11

2 Samuel 4:6⁶And they came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they smote him under the fifth rib: and Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. (2 Samuel 4:6). They came thither into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat.

Harmer (Observations, vol.1, p. 435) suggests that the pretense of these men that they went into the house for wheat, was rendered plausible by the fact that it was necessary to obtain the grain in the afternoon in order to have it ready for grinding early the next morning, according to daily custom. All suspicion of their murderous intention was thus avoided. Ishbosheth was taking his usual daily nap after the noon meal (vs. 5). They went toward the place where the grain was stored, and thus gained access to the apartment of the sleeping king and murdered him.

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