Saul had a son of this name, and so had Jonathan his son, (2 Samuel 4:4 and 2 Samuel 21:8-9) His name signifies reproach from the mouth, from Pe, a mouthand Bosh, shame. It is thought by some, that the proper name of Jonathan's son was Merib-baal, (see 1 Chronicles 8:34) and that his name was changed to Mephibosheth, because the Israelites were cautious of using the name of Baal. Idolatry was not then so much in fashion, as in the after days of the kings of Israel. But this point cannot be ascertained.