Background:
Ish-bosheth, also known as Eshbaal, was the son of King Saul and was made king over Israel after Saul's death. His reign was marked by a division in the kingdom, as David was anointed king over Judah. Ish-bosheth's rule was largely supported by Abner, the commander of Saul's army, who initially set him up as king in Mahanaim (2 Samuel 2:8-10).

The Political Context:
The kingdom of Israel was in a state of civil war during Ish-bosheth's reign. David, who had been anointed by the prophet Samuel, was ruling over Judah from Hebron. The house of Saul, represented by Ish-bosheth, was in conflict with the house of David. This period was characterized by ongoing skirmishes and political maneuvering (2 Samuel 3:1).

Abner's Defection:
A significant turning point in Ish-bosheth's reign was the defection of Abner to David's side. This occurred after a falling out between Abner and Ish-bosheth, when Ish-bosheth accused Abner of taking Saul's concubine, Rizpah. Abner, feeling insulted and disrespected, decided to support David, recognizing that God had promised the kingdom to David (2 Samuel 3:6-12).

The Assassination:
The murder of Ish-bosheth is recorded in 2 Samuel 4. After Abner's death, Ish-bosheth's position became even more precarious. Two of his own captains, Rechab and Baanah, saw an opportunity to gain favor with David. They entered Ish-bosheth's house during the heat of the day while he was resting and killed him in his bed. They then beheaded him and brought his head to David at Hebron, expecting a reward (2 Samuel 4:5-8).

David's Response:
David's reaction to the murder of Ish-bosheth was one of righteous indignation. Instead of rewarding Rechab and Baanah, David condemned their treachery. He reminded them of how he had dealt with the Amalekite who claimed to have killed Saul, emphasizing that he would not tolerate the murder of a righteous man in his own house. David ordered the execution of Rechab and Baanah, and their hands and feet were cut off as a public display of justice. Ish-bosheth's head was buried in Abner's tomb at Hebron (2 Samuel 4:9-12).

Theological Implications:
The murder of Ish-bosheth highlights the themes of divine justice and the sanctity of God's anointed. David's refusal to accept the murder of Ish-bosheth as a legitimate means to secure his own kingship underscores his respect for God's timing and justice. This event also illustrates the chaotic and violent nature of the transition of power in ancient Israel, as well as the moral complexities faced by David as he ascended to the throne.