Ishbosheth

Smith's Bible Dictionary

 

Ish-bo'sheth. (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." 2Sa 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. 2Sa 2:12; 2Sa 3:6; 2Sa 3:12. 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.

 

Taken from: Smith's Bible Dictionary by Dr. William Smith (1884)