GOD DOES NOT REWARD TREACHERY

GOD DOES NOT REWARD TREACHERY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Samuel 4:1-12

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 20:22, Romans 12:19, Psalm 101:7, Matthew 5:8, Galatians 6:7

INTRODUCTION:
Treachery may appear as a shortcut to favour or advancement in the eyes of men, but it is despised by God. In 2 Samuel 4, we see the tragic end of two men—Rechab and Baanah—who assumed that killing Ishbosheth would earn them honour from David. Their action was politically convenient but spiritually corrupt.

Instead of rejoicing over their deed, David condemned their act as wicked and had them executed. He understood that the kingdom of God cannot be built on treachery, murder, or self-promotion. God's principles are higher than political schemes, and righteousness must always guide our conduct.

This chapter teaches us that how we rise is just as important as why we rise. God's favour cannot be manipulated. He sees the heart, and He rewards those who walk in integrity, not in cunning. Treachery may open a door in the eyes of men, but it shuts the heavens against a person.

1. GOD SEES BEYOND RESULTS—HE WEIGHS MOTIVES
Not all “good news” is pleasing to God when it comes through evil means.

a) Rechab and Baanah thought they were helping David by killing Ishbosheth (2 Samuel 4:5–8)
They saw it as a political favour, not a moral failure.

b) God does not approve of shortcuts, even if they seem to support His plan
We must not do evil that good may come (Romans 3:8).

c) Motive matters in divine judgement—God evaluates the heart behind the action
Rechab and Baanah acted out of ambition, not righteousness.

d) Even in spiritual things, we must check our motives constantly
Only pure hearts will see God’s approval.

Biblical Example: Cain brought an offering, but God rejected it because of his heart (Genesis 4:3-7).

2. NEVER HELP GOD BY DISOBEYING HIS WAYS
God’s plans must be fulfilled by His methods, not by human manipulation.

a) Rechab and Baanah assumed they were fulfilling prophecy by removing Saul’s lineage
They used their hands to do what only God should have done.

b) God does not need our help through carnal means—He needs our obedience
The end does not justify the means in the kingdom of God.

c) When we try to force divine timing through fleshly action, we delay ourselves
David refused to kill Saul earlier, even when it was convenient (1 Samuel 24:6).

d) God will never violate His nature to accomplish His purpose
He is as much concerned about the process as the outcome.

Biblical Example: Uzzah touched the ark to steady it, but was struck dead (2 Samuel 6:6-7).

3. INTEGRITY MUST OUTWEIGH OPPORTUNITY
Opportunities must never override godly principles.

a) David did not let the political opportunity blind his sense of justice (2 Samuel 4:9-11)
He remembered that God is the righteous Judge.

b) Integrity means standing for righteousness even when it's unpopular or costly
David upheld the sanctity of life and refused to reward evil.

c) When leadership condones treachery, it sends a corrupt message to others
David’s reaction set a moral tone for his reign.

d) God promotes leaders who build with clean hands and upright hearts
Compromise at the foundation leads to collapse later.

Biblical Example: Joseph refused to lie with Potiphar's wife, choosing integrity over promotion (Genesis 39:8-12).

4. REVENGE IS A TRAP THAT DISQUALIFIES DESTINIES
Rechab and Baanah were sons of Rimmon, not sons of righteousness.

a) They took justice into their own hands—something David never did
They killed a man lying helpless on his bed (2 Samuel 4:7).

b) Revenge gives birth to more bloodshed and never pleases God
It is God's prerogative to avenge, not man’s (Romans 12:19).

c) Kingdom people do not take pleasure in the downfall of others
David mourned Saul’s death and now punished Ishbosheth’s murderers.

d) Beware of becoming instruments of judgment when God hasn’t sent you
Many lose favour by avenging themselves rather than trusting God.

Biblical Example: Moses missed the Promised Land because he acted in anger instead of obedience (Numbers 20:10-12).

5. GOD WILL JUDGE THE WORK OF EVERY MAN’S HAND
No act—good or evil—escapes the eyes of God.

a) David ordered the execution of Rechab and Baanah for their crime (2 Samuel 4:12)
He did not excuse evil under the banner of help.

b) God’s justice is impartial—He repays every man according to his deeds
There is a divine record of every secret work.

c) If we truly fear God, we will not engage in treachery, gossip, or sabotage
Your actions may impress men but can provoke divine judgement.

d) Every destiny must be built with purity, honesty, and reverence for God
Promotion without righteousness is a dangerous thing.

Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira were judged for deceit, though their gift was generous (Acts 5:1-10).

CONCLUSION:
2 Samuel 4 shows us that God is not impressed by ambition dressed as loyalty. The two assassins thought they would gain a reward, but they met with judgement. This passage reminds us to always guard our methods, our motives, and our moral standards. Treachery may seem successful in the moment, but in the eyes of God, it is a disqualifier.

In the kingdom of God, integrity is never negotiable. As we walk in our divine assignments, let us resist the urge to “help” God with carnal actions. His ways are perfect, and He rewards those who wait on Him with clean hands and a pure heart.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to maintain integrity in every area of my life and calling.
2. Father, deliver me from every carnal shortcut that seeks to override Your divine process.
3. I refuse to promote myself by tearing others down—help me to wait for Your lifting.
4. Lord, purge my heart from every trace of vengeance, bitterness, or hidden ambition.
5. Father, establish my steps in righteousness, and help me to build with clean hands.