Bible Dictionary
Ishbosheth
Ishbosheth was the youngest surviving son of Saul and ruled Israel from Mahanaim for two years. He was murdered in his bed after the death of his commander Abner.
Definition
Ishbosheth was the youngest of Saul’s four sons and his legitimate successor. He ruled Israel from Mahanaim for two years, though Abner conducted the principal wars and negotiations with David. After Abner’s death, Ishbosheth was murdered in his bed.
Biblical Usage
Ishbosheth’s reign represents the continuation of Saul’s house in opposition to David’s rule over Judah. His death removed the last remaining support of Saul’s house.
Historical Background
Ishbosheth was forty years old when he began to reign. His authority weakened after Abner, his chief support, died, and his murderers were not rewarded for their deed.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(man of shame) the youngest of Saul’s four sons, and his legitimate successor. (B.C. 1068.) Ish-bosheth was “forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years.” (2 Samuel 3:10) During these two years he reigned at Mahanaim, though only in name. The wars and negotiations with David were entirely carried on by Abner (2 Samuel 2:12; 3:6,12) The death of Abner deprived the house of Saul of its last remaining support. When Ish-bosheth heard of it, “his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.” He was murdered in his bed.