(story told in 2 Samuel 2:8-4:12)
Ishbosheth was one of King Saul’s surviving sons. After Saul and his other sons died in battle, Israel was left divided. David became king over the tribe of Judah, but Abner, Saul’s former army commander, made Ishbosheth king over the rest of Israel. At first, this gave the nation two rulers, and tension grew between David’s followers and those loyal to Saul’s family.
Ishbosheth ruled from the city of Mahanaim, but his leadership was weak. Much of his power depended on Abner, who led his army and made most of the important decisions. When Abner and Joab, David’s commander, clashed in battle, blood was shed, and the division deepened. Ishbosheth seemed unable to bring peace or unity to the kingdom.
Later, Ishbosheth accused Abner of wrongdoing, which deeply offended the commander. Angry and insulted, Abner decided to leave Ishbosheth and help David unite all of Israel under one throne. Without Abner’s support, Ishbosheth lost his confidence and strength as a ruler.
Before Abner could complete his peace mission, Joab killed him in revenge for his brother’s death. When Ishbosheth heard that Abner was dead, he became afraid and felt completely helpless. Not long after, two of his own men betrayed and murdered him while he was resting in his home, hoping to gain favor with David.
When they brought Ishbosheth’s head to David, expecting a reward, David was outraged. He ordered their execution for killing an innocent man. Ishbosheth’s short reign shows the emptiness of power without courage or faith. His story reminds us that true strength comes not from position, but from trusting in God’s purpose and leading with integrity.