Topical Encyclopedia Name and Meaning: Ish-bosheth, meaning "man of shame," was the son of King Saul and a significant figure in the transitional period of Israel's monarchy. His original name was Eshbaal, which means "man of Baal," but it was later changed, likely to avoid the association with the Canaanite deity Baal (1 Chronicles 8:33; 1 Chronicles 9:39). Family Background: Ish-bosheth was the fourth son of King Saul, Israel's first king, and his mother was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz (1 Samuel 14:50). He had three brothers: Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, all of whom died with Saul in the battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa (1 Samuel 31:2). Reign and Political Context: After the death of Saul, Ish-bosheth was made king over Israel by Abner, the commander of Saul's army. His reign was primarily over the northern tribes of Israel, while David was anointed king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron (2 Samuel 2:8-10). Ish-bosheth's rule lasted for two years, during which time there was ongoing conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David (2 Samuel 3:1). Conflict with David: The kingdom was divided, with Ish-bosheth ruling from Mahanaim, east of the Jordan River, and David ruling from Hebron. The tension between the two houses was marked by a series of skirmishes and political maneuvers. Abner, the power behind Ish-bosheth's throne, initially supported him but later defected to David after a falling out with Ish-bosheth over a personal dispute (2 Samuel 3:6-11). Assassination and Death: Ish-bosheth's reign came to an abrupt end when he was assassinated by two of his own captains, Baanah and Rechab, who sought favor with David by bringing him Ish-bosheth's head (2 Samuel 4:5-8). However, David condemned their treachery and had them executed, demonstrating his respect for the anointed king and his desire to unify Israel under legitimate means (2 Samuel 4:9-12). Legacy and Theological Significance: Ish-bosheth's brief and troubled reign highlights the tumultuous period of transition from the rule of Saul to the establishment of David's dynasty. His account underscores themes of loyalty, divine providence, and the legitimacy of kingship in Israel. Despite his weak leadership, Ish-bosheth's role in the biblical narrative serves as a backdrop to the rise of David, a man after God's own heart, who would unite the tribes and establish Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. Easton's Bible Dictionary Man of shame or humiliation, the youngest of Saul's four sons, and the only one who survived him (2 Samuel 2-4). His name was originally Eshbaal (1 Chronicles 8:33; 9:39). He was about forty years of age when his father and three brothers fell at the battle of Gilboa. Through the influence of Abner, Saul's cousin, he was acknowledged as successor to the throne of Saul, and ruled over all Israel, except the tribe of Judah (over whom David was king), for two years, having Mahanaim, on the east of Jordan, as his capital (2 Samuel 2:9). After a troubled and uncertain reign he was murdered by his guard, who stabbed him while he was asleep on his couch at mid-day (2 Samuel 4:5-7); and having cut off his head, presented it to David, who sternly rebuked them for this cold-blooded murder, and ordered them to be immediately executed (9-12). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ISH-BOSHETHish-bo'-sheth ('ish-bosheth, "man of shame" Iesbosthe): Called 'eshba`al, "man of Baal" (1 Chronicles 8:33), and yishwi, "man of Yahweh" (?), perhaps for 'isheyo (1 Samuel 14:49). Compare ESHBAAL and ISHVI (the King James Version "Ishui"). We probably have the right meaning of the name in Eshbaal and Ishvi, the words Baal and Yahweh being frequently interchanged. The change to Ish-bosheth, "man of shame," in 2 Samuel, where the story of his shameful murder is related, may be better explained as reference to this (see MEPHIBOSHETH, whose name was also changed from Merib-baal for similar reasons), than to find here a suggestion of Baal-worship, but see HPN, 121, where the change is explained as a correction of the scribes, in consequence of prophetic protests. Strong's Hebrew 378. Ish-bosheth -- "man of shame," a son of Saul and king of Isr.Ish-bosheth. 377, 378. Ish-bosheth. 379 . "man of shame," a son of Saul and king of Isr. Transliteration: Ish-bosheth Phonetic ... /hebrew/378.htm - 6k 792. Eshbaal -- "man of Baal," a son of Saul Library That Upon the Slaughter of Ishbosheth by the Treachery of his ... The History of David One Fold and one Shepherd How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of The Kingdom of all Israel. The King. The Reign of David. The Bright Dawn of a Reign David and Jonathan's Son Questions. Thesaurus Ishbosheth (13 Occurrences)... the captain of Saul's host, at Mahanaim (2 Samuel 2:8). Ishbosheth was 40 ... until Abner, angry on account of the rebuke he suffered from Ish-Bosheth for his ... /i/ishbosheth.htm - 14k Ish-bosheth (14 Occurrences) Ish-bosheth's (1 Occurrence) Ish-bo'sheth (13 Occurrences) Rechab (13 Occurrences) Baanah (10 Occurrences) Mahanaim (15 Occurrences) Ashurites (2 Occurrences) Ashhur (2 Occurrences) Saul's (79 Occurrences) Resources What is the story of David and Ish-Bosheth? | GotQuestions.orgWho were Rechab and Baanah? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Abner and Joab? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ish-bosheth (14 Occurrences)2 Samuel 2:8 2 Samuel 2:10 2 Samuel 2:12 2 Samuel 2:15 2 Samuel 3:7 2 Samuel 3:8 2 Samuel 3:14 2 Samuel 3:15 2 Samuel 4:1 2 Samuel 4:2 2 Samuel 4:5 2 Samuel 4:7 2 Samuel 4:8 2 Samuel 4:12 Subtopics Ish-Bosheth: Called Esh-Baal In Ish-Bosheth: Deserted by Abner Ish-Bosheth: Made King by Abner Ish-Bosheth: Restores Michal (David's First Wife) to David Related Terms |
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