Topical Bible: Ish-Bosheth: Called Esh-Baal In

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Topical Encyclopedia

Ish-Bosheth, also known as Esh-Baal, was a son of King Saul and a significant figure during the tumultuous period following Saul's death. His account is primarily found in the books of 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles in the Old Testament.

Name and Identity

The name Ish-Bosheth means "man of shame," while Esh-Baal means "man of Baal." The duality in his name reflects the complex religious and political landscape of the time. The name Esh-Baal, which includes the name of the Canaanite deity Baal, suggests a connection to the broader cultural and religious influences present in Israel during the era of the Judges and early monarchy. The name Ish-Bosheth, used in the biblical narrative, may have been a later editorial choice to distance his identity from pagan associations.

Background and Rise to Power

Ish-Bosheth was the fourth son of King Saul, Israel's first king. After Saul and his three other sons died in the battle of Mount Gilboa against the Philistines (1 Samuel 31:1-6), Ish-Bosheth was installed as king over Israel by Abner, the commander of Saul's army. This occurred while David, who had been anointed by the prophet Samuel as Saul's successor, was reigning over the tribe of Judah from Hebron (2 Samuel 2:8-10).

Reign and Conflict with David

Ish-Bosheth's reign lasted for two years, during which he ruled over the northern tribes of Israel. His kingship was marked by a power struggle with David, who was gaining strength and support in the south. The house of Saul, represented by Ish-Bosheth, and the house of David were in conflict, leading to a prolonged civil war (2 Samuel 3:1).

A significant event during Ish-Bosheth's reign was his falling out with Abner. Ish-Bosheth accused Abner of taking Saul's concubine, Rizpah, which was seen as a challenge to the royal authority (2 Samuel 3:7). This accusation led to Abner defecting to David's side, promising to deliver the northern tribes into David's hands (2 Samuel 3:8-12).

Downfall 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 actions, executing them for murdering an innocent man in his own home (2 Samuel 4:9-12). Ish-Bosheth's death paved the way for David to become king over a united Israel.

Legacy

Ish-Bosheth's brief and troubled reign is often overshadowed by the larger narrative of David's rise to power. His account highlights the instability and division within Israel following Saul's death and serves as a backdrop to the establishment of David's dynasty. Despite his royal lineage, Ish-Bosheth's reliance on Abner and his inability to assert strong leadership contributed to his downfall. His life and reign are a testament to the challenges of leadership and the consequences of political and familial strife in ancient Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 8:33
And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 9:39
And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The King.
... uncles was named Baal (1 Chronicles 9:36); his son was really called Eshbaal (Fire
of Baal), which was contemptuously converted into Ishbosheth (Man of Shame). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ix the king.htm

The Bright Dawn of a Reign
... Ish-bosheth Saul's son was forty years old when he began ... He called on them to transfer
their loyalty to himself ... The puppet king is named Ishbosheth in the lesson ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the bright dawn of a.htm