ISBOSETH. – The only one Saul (v.) Gelboe (v.).
His original name, ‘Īl-ba‘al (I Par. 8:34), “man of the Lord,” was later altered to ‘Īl-bōleth, “man of ignominy,” because of the change that had come into use from ba‘al to bōleth.
An inept man, nevertheless placed on ABENESRA (v.) at Mahanaim beyond the Jordan, he fought David (v.), whom the south obeyed (II Sam. 2:8-32). First, through an ill-considered reproach, he lost the support of Abner (II Sam. 3:6-12); then, after Abner’s death, he too was killed in his own house during the afternoon rest. His head, brought by the assassins to David in order to win his favor—for which they were rewarded with death—was buried together with Abner’s ashes at Hebron (II Sam. 4).
Another I. (‘Īlba‘al) was among David’s leading captains (II Sam. 23:8 critical text). Gino Bressan