1 Samuel 31:2

2 The Philistines caught up with Saul and his sons. They killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malki-Shua, Saul's sons.

1 Samuel 31:2 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 31:2

And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul
Stuck to him, pushed him close, bore hard upon him in that part of the army where he was having a design upon his person:

and upon his sons;
who were with him:

and the Philistines slew Jonathan;
who is mentioned first, being the eldest son, and perhaps first slain; and this was so ordered by the providence of God, that David's way to the throne might be more clear and easy; for though Jonathan would not have opposed him himself, yet the people, fond of him, would, at least many of them, been for setting him on the throne; and though he would have refused it, knowing David was the Lord's anointed, and have made interest for him, this would have looked as if he had made him king, and not the Lord:

and Abinadab and Malchishua, Saul's sons;
these also were slain; former of these is called Ishui, ( 1 Samuel 14:49 ) ; Ishbosheth either was not in the battle, being left at home, as unfit for war, or to take care of the kingdom; or else he fled with Abner, and others, and escaped, and who was to be a trial to David.

1 Samuel 31:2 In-Context

1 The Philistines made war on Israel. The men of Israel were in full retreat from the Philistines, falling left and right, wounded on Mount Gilboa.

2 The Philistines caught up with Saul and his sons. They killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malki-Shua, Saul's sons.

3 The battle was hot and heavy around Saul. The archers got his range and wounded him badly.

4 Saul said to his weapon bearer, "Draw your sword and put me out of my misery, lest these pagan pigs come and make a game out of killing me."

5 When the weapon bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died with him.