Shmuel Alef 31:2

2 And the Pelishtim followed hard upon Sha’ul and upon his banim; and the Pelishtim slaughtered Yehonatan [Yonatan], and Avinadav, and Malki Shua, the Bnei Sha’ul.

Shmuel Alef 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.

Shmuel Alef 31:2 In-Context

1 1 Now the Pelishtim fought against Yisroel; and the anshei Yisroel fled from before the Pelishtim, and fell down chalalim (slain ones) on Mt Gilboa.

2 And the Pelishtim followed hard upon Sha’ul and upon his banim; and the Pelishtim slaughtered Yehonatan [Yonatan], and Avinadav, and Malki Shua, the Bnei Sha’ul.

3 And the milchamah became intense against Sha’ul, and the archers overtook him; and he was mortally wounded by the archers.

4 Then said Sha’ul unto his noseh keli (armor bearer), Draw thy cherev, and thrust me through therewith; lest these arelim (uncircumcised ones) come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his noseh keli would not; for he was very afraid. Therefore Sha’ul took a cherev, and fell upon it.

5 And when his noseh keli saw that Sha’ul was dead, he fell likewise upon his cherev, and died with him.