The burial of Ish-bosheth's head is a significant event recorded in the biblical narrative, specifically in the context of the tumultuous period following the death of King Saul. Ish-bosheth, also known as Eshbaal, was the son of Saul and was made king over Israel by Abner, Saul's military commander, after Saul's death. His reign was marked by conflict with David, who had been anointed king over Judah.

Biblical Account

The account of Ish-bosheth's death and the subsequent burial of his head is found in 2 Samuel 4. Ish-bosheth was assassinated by two of his own captains, Rechab and Baanah, who sought to gain favor with David by bringing him the head of Ish-bosheth. The Berean Standard Bible records this event as follows:

"When Ish-bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, his courage failed, and all Israel was dismayed. Now Saul’s son had two men who were leaders of raiding parties: one was named Baanah and the other Rechab, sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, a Benjamite. ... They went into the house as if to get some wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and his brother Baanah slipped away. They had entered the house while Ish-bosheth was lying on his bed in his bedroom. After they stabbed and killed him, they cut off his head. Taking his head with them, they traveled all night by way of the Arabah. They brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron and said to the king, 'Here is the head of Ish-bosheth son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life. Today the LORD has granted vengeance to my lord the king against Saul and his offspring.'" (2 Samuel 4:1-8)

David's Response and Burial

David's response to the murder of Ish-bosheth was one of justice and righteousness. Instead of rewarding Rechab and Baanah, David condemned their actions, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the importance of justice. He ordered their execution for the murder of an innocent man in his own house. The BSB continues:

"But David answered Rechab and his brother Baanah, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, 'As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, when someone told me, "Look, Saul is dead," and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and put him to death in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for his news! How much more, when wicked men have killed an innocent man in his own house and on his own bed, should I not now demand his blood from your hand and rid the earth of you!' So David commanded his young men, and they killed them. They cut off their hands and feet and hung their bodies by the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in Abner’s tomb at Hebron." (2 Samuel 4:9-12)

Significance

The burial of Ish-bosheth's head in Abner's tomb at Hebron is significant for several reasons. It reflects David's respect for the house of Saul, despite the enmity between them, and his desire to honor the dead appropriately. By placing Ish-bosheth's head in Abner's tomb, David acknowledges the connection between the two men and the tragic circumstances of their deaths. This act also underscores David's commitment to justice and his rejection of treachery and murder as means to achieve power.

The burial serves as a testament to David's character and his adherence to the principles of justice and righteousness, which are central themes throughout his reign. It also marks the end of the house of Saul's claim to the throne, paving the way for David's unification of Israel under his kingship.