Eshbaal (Hebrew: אֶשְׁבַּעַל, meaning “man of Baal” or “Baal exists”) was the fourth son of King Saul and his successor to the throne of Israel. While he is listed as Eshbaal in the genealogical records of Chronicles, he is most famously known in the historical narrative of the Books of Samuel as Ishbosheth.
One Man, Two Names
The discrepancy between his two names is one of the most interesting linguistic features of the Old Testament:
- Eshbaal: This name appears in the formal genealogies: “And Ner begat Kish; and Kish begat Saul; and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal“ (1 Chronicles 8:33, KJV).
- Ishbosheth: In 2 Samuel, he is called Ishbosheth, which means “man of shame.” Biblical scholars generally agree that “Baal” (which simply means “lord” or “master”) was later replaced with “Bosheth” (shame) by scribes or historians to avoid speaking the name of the Canaanite deity Baal, especially as that idol became a snare to Israel. A similar change happened to his nephew, Merib-baal, who became Mephibosheth.
The Rival King
After the death of Saul and his three eldest sons (including Jonathan) at the Battle of Mount Gilboa, the kingdom was in disarray. Abner, the captain of Saul’s host, took Eshbaal and proclaimed him king over the northern tribes.
“But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim; And made him king over Gilead… and over all Israel.” (2 Samuel 2:8-9, KJV)
While the tribe of Judah followed David, Eshbaal reigned over the rest of Israel for two years. His reign was characterized by a “long war” between the house of Saul and the house of David, during which David grew stronger and Eshbaal’s house grew weaker.
Character and Weakness
Scripture portrays Eshbaal as a somewhat timid leader who relied entirely on the strength and political maneuvering of Abner. A major turning point occurred when Eshbaal accused Abner of a personal transgression regarding one of Saul’s concubines. Abner, enraged by the king’s rebuke, swore to transfer the kingdom to David. When Eshbaal heard this, the Bible notes he “could not answer Abner a word again, because he feared him” (2 Samuel 3:11).
A Violent End
Following the death of Abner, Eshbaal lost all hope. His reign ended when two of his own captains, Rechab and Baanah, assassinated him while he took his midday rest.
They beheaded him and brought the head to David in Hebron, expecting a reward. However, David—consistent in his refusal to touch “the Lord’s anointed” or benefit from treachery—was horrified. He called Eshbaal a “righteous person” and ordered the immediate execution of the assassins.
Eshbaal was buried with honor in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron, marking the definitive end of the Sauline dynasty.