Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Ish-Bosheth, Son of Saul, Crowned

◄ David: King of Israel: Ish-Bosheth, Son of Saul, Crowned ►

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Background and Context

David, the anointed king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his faithfulness to God, his military prowess, and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. However, his path to kingship was not without challenges, particularly following the death of King Saul. The transition of power was marked by a period of civil strife, as Saul's son, Ish-Bosheth, was crowned king over Israel, creating a division between the tribes.

Ish-Bosheth's Ascension

Following the death of Saul and his sons at the Battle of Mount Gilboa, the kingdom of Israel was left in a state of uncertainty. Abner, the commander of Saul's army and a powerful figure in the northern tribes, took the initiative to establish Ish-Bosheth, Saul's surviving son, as king over Israel. This act was likely motivated by Abner's desire to maintain influence and control over the northern tribes, as well as to continue the legacy of Saul's dynasty.

The biblical account in 2 Samuel 2:8-9 states: "Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, brought him over to Mahanaim, and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, Benjamin—over all Israel." This move effectively split the nation, with Ish-Bosheth ruling over the northern tribes, while David was anointed king over the tribe of Judah, reigning from Hebron.

The Division of the Kingdom

The division of the kingdom under Ish-Bosheth and David set the stage for a prolonged conflict between the house of Saul and the house of David. The Bible records that this period was marked by a series of skirmishes and political maneuvers, as both sides vied for control over the entire nation of Israel. 2 Samuel 3:1 notes, "Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was long and drawn out, with David growing stronger and the house of Saul becoming weaker."

Abner's Role and Defection

Abner's role in Ish-Bosheth's reign was significant, as he was the driving force behind the young king's rule. However, tensions arose between Abner and Ish-Bosheth, leading to a pivotal moment in the power struggle. Ish-Bosheth accused Abner of misconduct, which prompted Abner to defect to David's side, offering to bring the northern tribes under David's rule. This defection was a turning point in the conflict, as it weakened Ish-Bosheth's position and strengthened David's claim to the throne.

2 Samuel 3:9-10 records Abner's words to Ish-Bosheth: "May God punish Abner, and ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him: to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish the throne of David over Israel and Judah, from Dan to Beersheba."

The Assassination of Ish-Bosheth

The reign of Ish-Bosheth came to an abrupt end when he was assassinated by two of his own captains, Rechab and Baanah. They sought to gain favor with David by presenting him with Ish-Bosheth's head, but David, a man of principle and respect for God's anointed, condemned their actions and had them executed. This act of justice further solidified David's reputation as a righteous leader.

2 Samuel 4:11-12 captures David's response: "How much more, when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed, should I not now require his blood from your hand and remove you from the earth!" So David commanded his young men, and they killed them, cut off their hands and feet, and hung their bodies by the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in Abner’s tomb in Hebron.

Significance in the Biblical Narrative

The crowning of Ish-Bosheth and the subsequent conflict with David highlight the complexities of leadership and the divine providence in the establishment of David's kingdom. Despite the human struggles and political intrigue, the biblical narrative underscores God's sovereign plan to establish David as the rightful king over all Israel, fulfilling His covenant promises.

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2 Samuel 2:4
And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, That the men of Jabeshgilead were they that buried Saul.
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Library

One Fold and one Shepherd
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He was ... exalted his kingdom for His people Israel's sake.' Whosoever ...
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The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... at length in the duel between David and Goliath ... disaster they had formerly inflicted
on Israel, is supposed ... period when the Jews, without any king or settled ...
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