### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼEshbaʻal**, represented by `{{H792}}`, means **man of Baal**. It identifies a specific individual, Eshbaal (or Ishbosheth), a son of Saul. This name is rare in scripture, appearing only **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, both of which are found in genealogical records.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **ʼEshbaʻal** `{{H792}}` is mentioned exclusively within the lineage of King Saul. The two occurrences, found in [[1 Chronicles 8:33]] and [[1 Chronicles 9:39]], are identical. These verses document the descendants of Ner, Saul's great-grandfather. In this context, the text states that **Saul** `{{H7586}}` begat **Jonathan** `{{H3083}}`, **Malchishua** `{{H4444}}`, **Abinadab** `{{H41}}`, and **Eshbaal** `{{H792}}`, thereby establishing his identity as one of Saul's four recorded sons.
### Related Words & Concepts
The identity of **ʼEshbaʻal** is fixed within a well-defined family line, and the names of his relatives are key to his context:
* `{{H7586}}` **Shâʼûwl** (asked; Shaul... Saul): The father of **Eshbaal**, whose lineage is the central subject of the passages where **Eshbaal** is named [[1 Chronicles 8:33]].
* `{{H7027}}` **Qîysh** (a bow; Kish...): The father of **Saul** `{{H7586}}` and therefore the grandfather of **Eshbaal**, connecting the royal line to its roots [[1 Chronicles 9:39]].
* `{{H5369}}` **Nêr** (lamp; Ner...): The father of **Kish** `{{H7027}}` and the great-grandfather of **Eshbaal**, marking the start of this specific genealogical record [[1 Chronicles 8:33]].
* `{{H3083}}` **Yᵉhôwnâthân** (Jehovah-given; Jehonathan... Jonathan): A brother of **Eshbaal**, listed immediately before him in the list of Saul's sons [[1 Chronicles 9:39]].
### Theological Significance
While the verses mentioning **ʼEshbaʻal** do not contain theological discourse, his inclusion carries narrative significance:
* **Royal Lineage:** The primary purpose of mentioning **ʼEshbaʻal** is to formally record him as a son of Israel's first king, **Saul** `{{H7586}}`. He is listed among his brothers Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, solidifying his place in the royal family [[1 Chronicles 8:33]].
* **Genealogical Preservation:** His name is preserved in the chronicles, which serve as an official record of Israel's key families. The direct repetition of his genealogy in two separate chapters emphasizes the importance of this lineage ([[1 Chronicles 8:33]], [[1 Chronicles 9:39]]).
* **Identification as Ishbosheth:** The definition for **ʼEshbaʻal** `{{H792}}` explicitly notes that this is another name for Ishbosheth, a figure mentioned elsewhere as the son of Saul [[2 Samuel 2:8]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼEshbaʻal** `{{H792}}` is not a common noun but the proper name of a specific biblical figure. His significance lies entirely within his identity as a son of King **Saul** `{{H7586}}`. The name, meaning "man of Baal," is found only in the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles, which serve the vital function of documenting the royal line of Israel from **Ner** `{{H5369}}` through **Kish** `{{H7027}}` to Saul and his sons.
TRV