II Samuel 3-4

"...when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed ..." (v11). During David's journey toward becoming king of Israel, he was careful to respect King Saul, "God's anointed" (1:14). David refused to murder Saul when he had the chance, and he mourned Saul's death. He refused to let his men dehumanize their enemy - they were all Israelites. Now, he refused to affirm the men who betrayed Ishbosheth, especially their cowardly, deceitful methods.

War did not exempt David and his men from morality. At all times, in all places, God's people are called to honor Him.