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2 Samuel 2

2 Samuel 2:8

Ish-bosheth Made King of Israel · 2 Samuel 2:8–11
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Translations

Modern
Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim,
Traditional
But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s host, took Ish–bosheth the son of Saul, and brought him over to Mahanaim;
Literal
And Abner son of Ner, commander of the army that was unto Saul, had taken Ish-bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim.
Latin
Abner autem filius Ner, princeps exercitus Saul, tulit Isboseth filium Saul, et circumduxit eum per castra,

Original

Hebrew
English
Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim,

Notes

2 Samuel 2:8

  • Abner: See study note on 1 Samuel 20:25.

  • Mahanaim was east of the Jordan River, high in the hills of Gilead, near a source of fresh water. Saul and his family had a close connection to the region of Gilead (1 Samuel 11:1–11; 31:11–13). Because Mahanaim was east of the Jordan River, Ish-bosheth’s rule was harder for David’s forces to attack. Later, King David also used this same area as a temporary place of safety after Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 17:24, 27).

  • The name Ish-bosheth means “man of shame.” His original name was Esh-baal, which means “man of Baal.” Baal means “lord,” “master,” or “possessor,” and was also the name of a Canaanite god worshiped by Israel’s neighbors (see Numbers 25:3). Because of this association, Ish-bosheth’s name was likely changed later to avoid using the name of a foreign god.

2 Samuel 2:1–32

After Saul died, those loyal to David (the tribe of Judah) came into conflict with those loyal to Saul’s son Ish-bosheth (the remaining tribes of Israel).

At this time, the Philistines controlled much of the land west of the Jordan River. They likely encouraged this division among the Israelites because a divided people were easier for them to control.

Theme notes and profiles

Abner David

Events

People

Abner: Saul's cousin and commander of his army Ish-bosheth: Son of Saul, king over Israel Ner: Father of Abner, King Saul's commander Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel

Places

Mahanaim: A place east of the Jordan; David's refuge

Glossary

Abner Ashurite Benjamin, Tribe of Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) City of David David David, City of Eshbaal Gilead (Place) God, Names of History of Israel Ishbosheth Jezreel (Place) Joab Mahanaim Mephibosheth Ner Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Abner: Loyalty of, to the House of Saul Armies: How officered: Commander-In-Chief Armies: March in Ranks: Determine Royal Succession Hebron: A City of the Tribe of Judah, South of Jerusalem: David Crowned King of Judah At Ish-Bosheth: Made King by Abner Israel: Under the Kings Before the Separation Into Two Kingdoms: Ish-Bosheth Made King Mahanaim: Ish-Bosheth Establishes Himself At, when Made King Over Israel The Armies of Israel: Commanded by the Captain of the Host Tribe of Benjamin: Furnished the First King to Israel Tribe of Judah: Make David King