Ish-Bosheth

Ish-Bosheth was a son of Saul who was placed as ruler over Israel after the death of Saul and Jonathan at the Battle of Mount Gilboa as told in the book of II Samuel in the Bible.
Ish-Bosheth was 40 years old when his reign began, but he inherited a conflict with David, who had been growing in power, over the throne. Ish-Bosheth made the mistake of accusing the leader of his forces, Abner, with sleeping with one of his concubines. Abner was insulted and switched sides to support David. Two opportunists realized that Ish-Bosheth had lost power and stabbed him while he was sleeping and cut off his head. They expected David to reward them, but he had them killed instead for rising against their king. ((II Samuel 2:8 - 4:12)
Category:Biblical Persons