### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼÎysh-Bôsheth**, represented by `{{H378}}`, is defined as **man of shame**. It is used for Ish-Bosheth, a son of King Saul. This name appears 11 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the book of 2 Samuel, chronicling his short and troubled reign after his father's death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical narrative introduces Ish-Bosheth as the son of Saul `{{H7586}}` who is made king over Israel by Abner `{{H74}}`, the captain of Saul's host [[2 Samuel 2:8]]. At forty years old, he began a two-year reign from Mahanaim `{{H4266}}`, but the house of Judah `{{H3063}}` remained loyal to David `{{H1732}}` [[2 Samuel 2:10]]. His reign was marked by conflict, including a notable clash between his servants and David's at Gibeon `{{H1391}}` ([[2 Samuel 2:12]], [[2 Samuel 2:15]]). A severe rift with Abner over one of Saul's concubines led to Abner's defection to David [[2 Samuel 3:8]]. Ish-Bosheth's life ended tragically when he was murdered in his own house by Rechab `{{H7394}}` and Baanah `{{H1196}}`, who brought his head to David in Hebron `{{H2275}}` ([[2 Samuel 4:5]], [[2 Samuel 4:8]]). David, in turn, had the assassins executed and honorably buried Ish-Bosheth's head in Abner's sepulchre `{{H6913}}` [[2 Samuel 4:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The story of Ish-Bosheth is interwoven with several key figures who shaped his fate:
* `{{H7586}}` **Shâʼûwl** (Saul): As the son of Saul, Ish-Bosheth's identity and claim to the throne were entirely dependent on his lineage. He represents the faltering continuation of Saul's dynasty after his father's demise [[2 Samuel 2:8]].
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid** (David): The central rival for the throne. While Ish-Bosheth ruled over Israel, the house of Judah followed David [[2 Samuel 2:10]]. David negotiated with Ish-Bosheth for the return of his wife Michal `{{H4324}}` and ultimately avenged Ish-Bosheth's murder ([[2 Samuel 3:14]], [[2 Samuel 4:12]]).
* `{{H74}}` **ʼAbnêr** (Abner): Saul's powerful commander who single-handedly installed Ish-Bosheth as king [[2 Samuel 2:8]]. His subsequent anger `{{H2734}}` and defection following a dispute with Ish-Bosheth signaled the collapse of the king's power [[2 Samuel 3:8]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word is consistently used to link Ish-Bosheth to his father, Saul `{{H7586}}`. This relationship is the basis for his entire role in the narrative, as seen when his assassins present his head to David as "the head of Ishbosheth the son of Saul" [[2 Samuel 4:8]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H378}}` is found in his role as a tragic and transitional figure in Israel's history.
* **A Contested Kingship:** His rule was never absolute, as he reigned over Israel for only two years `{{H8141}}` while the tribe of Judah had already aligned with David [[2 Samuel 2:10]]. This divided loyalty highlights the tumultuous period after Saul's death.
* **The "Man of Shame":** His name proves prophetic. He was installed by Abner, not by his own strength [[2 Samuel 2:8]], was rebuked by his own commander [[2 Samuel 3:8]], and was ultimately murdered on his bed `{{H4904}}` at noon `{{H6672}}` [[2 Samuel 4:5]].
* **The Fall of Saul's House:** The story of Ish-Bosheth represents the final, feeble attempt of Saul's house to retain power. His assassination by his own captains `{{H8269}}` removed the last major obstacle to David's unification of the kingdom.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H378}}` **ʼÎysh-Bôsheth** is more than a name; it is a symbol for the end of an era. As the son of Saul, his brief and contested reign was a fragile and ultimately doomed effort to continue his father's dynasty. His story, ending in betrayal and assassination, fulfills the tragic meaning of his name, "man of shame," and paves the way for the rise of David `{{H1732}}` as king over all of Israel `{{H3478}}`.
TRV