A Weak King with a Short Reign
Ish-Bosheth is the son of King Saul. After his father’s death—with the help of Abner, commander of Saul’s army—Ish-Bosheth assumes his father’s throne. He reigns for two years.
There’s little remarkable about him or his rule.
One story we have is when he confronts Abner for sleeping with his father’s concubine. Though we don’t know if this is a legitimate accusation or baseless, Abner reacts negatively and defects to David’s side.
As part of their negotiations, David asks for his wife Michal to be restored to him, even though her father—King Saul—gave her in marriage to another man.
Michal, incidentally, is Ish-Bosheth’s sister. He has no qualms taking her from her current husband and giving her back to David.
We can only guess if Ish-Bosheth does this because he has no regard for his sister or because he fears Abner and David. Nonetheless, Michal is restored to David, whether she wishes it or not.
Abner’s alliance with David, however, doesn’t last long, for Joab murders the commander during a time of peace, in an act of revenge.
Likely unaware that Abner defected, Ish-Bosheth loses his courage when he learns his army’s commander is dead.
Abner brought the king into power. Without the commander to protect him, two of Ish-Bosheth’s military leaders assassinate him.
Not only does Ish-Bosheth’s life and reign end, so does the short rule of King Saul’s descendants.
When have we falsely accused someone?
When have we failed to defend our family for fear of what others might do?
[Read about Ish-Bosheth in 2 Samuel 2:8–11 and 2 Samuel 3:6–15. Discover more in 2 Samuel 4.]
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More Old Testament Sinners and Saints is part of the Bible Character Sketches series.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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