1 Samuel 31:2

2 The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons and killed his sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.

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 fought against Israel, and Israel's men fled from them. Many were killed on Mount Gilboa.

2 The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons and killed his sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.

3 When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers caught up with him and severely wounded him.

4 Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me." But his armor-bearer would not do it because he was terrified. Then Saul took his sword and fell on it.

5 When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his own sword and died with him.