In the historical chronicles of Israel’s transition from the house of Saul to the house of David, there is a figure whose very name tells a story of spiritual shift and national shame. While many Bible readers are familiar with King David’s rise, fewer recognize the man who stood as his primary rival for the throne of Israel: Eshbaal.
The Man Behind the Names
In the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles, he is clearly identified as the son of Saul:
“And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.” — 1 Chronicles 8:33 (KJV)
However, if you turn to the historical narrative in 2 Samuel, his name suddenly changes to Ish-bosheth. This is not a contradiction, but a deliberate theological statement by the biblical writers.
- Eshbaal: Means “Man of Baal” or “Baal exists.” In early Hebrew, the word Baal simply meant “Master” or “Lord” and was sometimes used to refer to the true God.
- Ish-bosheth: Means “Man of Shame.” As the word Baal became inextricably linked with the vile Canaanite deity, the biblical scribes replaced it with bosheth (shame) to avoid even the mention of the idol’s name when referring to a son of Israel.
The Puppet King
After King Saul and three of his sons (including Jonathan) were killed at the Battle of Mount Gilboa, the kingdom was in disarray. Eshbaal was the only surviving legitimate heir.
He did not seize the throne through his own strength or divine anointing. Instead, he was installed by Abner, the captain of Saul’s host. While David was crowned king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron, Eshbaal was taken to Mahanaim and proclaimed king over the rest of Israel.
“Ish-bosheth Saul’s son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David.” — 2 Samuel 2:10 (KJV)
Eshbaal’s reign was characterized by weakness. He was essentially a puppet of Abner. When Eshbaal finally tried to exert his authority by questioning Abner’s conduct with one of Saul’s concubines, Abner’s response was one of fierce anger and betrayal. Abner immediately vowed to transfer the kingdom to David, leaving Eshbaal powerless and vulnerable.
A Tragic End
The end of Eshbaal’s life illustrates the “shame” his second name implied. As the war between the house of Saul and the house of David wore on, two of Eshbaal’s own captains, Rechab and Baanah, betrayed him.
They entered his house at noon while he was resting and murdered him in his bed. Hoping to win favor with David, they beheaded Eshbaal and brought his head to Hebron. However, David—a man of honor who refused to celebrate the murder of a “righteous man”—had the assassins executed for their treachery.
The Spiritual Lesson
Eshbaal serves as a sobering “Who Was” for the believer today. His life represents a kingship based on heritage rather than Holy Spirit anointing.
- Hereditary vs. Holy Spirit: Saul’s dynasty attempted to continue through Eshbaal based on bloodline, but God had already moved the lampstand to David.
- The Name of Shame: His transition from Eshbaal to Ish-bosheth reminds us that any endeavor built without God’s direct commissioning will ultimately end in “bosheth” (shame).
- The Fragility of Human Support: Just as Eshbaal’s crown fell when Abner withdrew his support, any “kingdom” we build on human strength will collapse when those pillars are removed.
Eshbaal’s death marked the official end of the house of Saul, clearing the way for the Davidic line from which the Messiah, the true King of Kings, would eventually come.