The Hebrew Ish-Bosheth (אִישׁ בֹּשֶׁת) means 'man of shame' — from ish (man) and bosheth (shame). He was a son of Saul who briefly reigned over Israel after his father's death, as a rival to David's kingship. His original name was likely Eshbaal ('man of Baal') which was altered by scribes to the pejorative bosheth — a pattern used for other names associated with Baal worship.
The story of Ish-Bosheth is a study in the tragedy of illegitimate authority. He was made king by Abner the general — not by God's appointment — and ruled weakly for two years while David consolidated God's true kingdom in Judah. His name change from Eshbaal to Ish-Bosheth (man of shame) by the biblical editors reflects Israel's theological verdict: association with Baal brings shame, not honor. What begins in Baal ends in shame. The New Testament echoes this: 'Everyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame' (Romans 10:11). The contrast is complete — trust in the true God brings no shame; trust in false gods ends in it.