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.