Meaning
Ish-bosheth is a Hebrew masculine personal name meaning “man of shame.” It is associated with the name Ish-baal; the element bosheth means “shame.”
Biblical Usage
Ish-bosheth was a son of Saul. After Saul’s death, Abner took him to Mahanaim and made him king over Israel, while David ruled over Judah.
Following a conflict between Abner and Ish-bosheth, Abner negotiated with David. After Abner was killed, two of Ish-bosheth’s captains murdered him while he rested in his house. They took his head to David at Hebron.
Key References
- 2 Samuel 2:8–10 — Abner establishes Ish-bosheth as king over Israel.
- 2 Samuel 3:6–11 — Ish-bosheth confronts Abner.
- 2 Samuel 4:5–8 — Ish-bosheth is murdered.
- 2 Samuel 4:9–12 — David condemns the murderers.
Related Terms
- Saul — Ish-bosheth’s father.
- Abner — The commander who made Ish-bosheth king.
- David — The king who ruled over Judah during Ish-bosheth’s reign.
- Mahanaim — The place where Ish-bosheth’s rule was established.