שמואל ב, פרק ד׳, פסוק ח׳

The assassins arrive in Hebron carrying evidence of their deed, presenting the head of Ish-bosheth to David. In an attempt to justify their actions, they frame the murder as an act of divine justice. They describe Saul's son as an enemy who had actively sought to take David's life, claiming that God has finally delivered [מצודת דוד] a great and complete vengeance [ביאור שטיינזלץ] for the king against Saul and his descendants.

This bold claim highlights the tragic collapse of Saul's royal dynasty. With the death of Ish-bosheth, the royal house is left without a single suitable heir. Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth, was crippled in both legs and therefore unfit for leadership, while the other remaining sons were born to concubines.

The assassins, who were members of Saul's own tribe and family, made a calculated choice in their target. They deliberately spared Mephibosheth because they did not view him as a political threat or a man fit to rule. Instead, they directed their malice entirely toward Ish-bosheth, the reigning king and prominent leader. This focused attack exposes their true cruelty and ultimate goal: to completely wipe out and destroy the royal lineage of Saul [אברבנאל].