1 Samuel 31:2

2 inrueruntque Philisthim in Saul et filios eius et percusserunt Ionathan et Abinadab et Melchisue filios Saul

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 Philisthim autem pugnabant adversum Israhel et fugerunt viri Israhel ante faciem Philisthim et ceciderunt interfecti in monte Gelboe

2 inrueruntque Philisthim in Saul et filios eius et percusserunt Ionathan et Abinadab et Melchisue filios Saul

3 totumque pondus proelii versum est in Saul et consecuti sunt eum viri sagittarii et vulneratus est vehementer a sagittariis

4 dixitque Saul ad armigerum suum evagina gladium tuum et percute me ne forte veniant incircumcisi isti et interficiant me inludentes mihi et noluit armiger eius fuerat enim nimio timore perterritus arripuit itaque Saul gladium et inruit super eum

5 quod cum vidisset armiger eius videlicet quod mortuus esset Saul inruit etiam ipse super gladium suum et mortuus est cum eo