Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(man of shame). Son and successor of Saul. Original name, Esh-baal. Reigned two years, then defeated by David, and assassinated (2 Sam. 2:8-11; 3; 4:5-12).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
Youngest of the four sons of Saul, and who claimed the throne on the death of his father and his elder brothers. Apparently he did not begin to reign till five years after, and then reigned two years, over all the tribes except Judah, Benjamin, and perhaps Simeon. He was supported by Abner the head of Saul’s army; but made his headquarters at Mahanaim, east of the Jordan. There was long war between the two houses, but David waxed stronger and stronger, and Ish-bosheth became weaker and weaker. Abner’s pride was deeply wounded by a remonstrance from Ish-bosheth, and he revolted to David, and then spoke to the elders of Israel in David’s favor. After the treacherous murder of Abner by Joab, Baanah and Rechab, captains of bands, slew Ish-bosheth as he lay on his bed, and cutting off his head brought it to David, doubtless expecting a reward; they were however at once put to death, for David could not sanction such wickedness. David was then made king of all the tribes, being God’s chosen and anointed one (2 Sam. 2:8-17; 2 Sam. 3:6-16; 2 Sam. 4:5-12). Apparently Ish-bosheth is called ESH-BAAL in 1 Chronicles 8:33 and 1 Chronicles 9:39.
Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:
Transliteration:
’Iysh-Bosheth
Meaning:
from 376 and 1322; man of shame; Ish- Bosheth, a son of King Saul
Jackson’s Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names:
man of shame
Potts’ Bible Proper Names:
A man of shame:―youngest son of Saul [ESHBAAL], 2 Sam. 3:8. {Vir pudoris}