TRV
Translation
King James Version
And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul's sons.
KJV (with Strong's)
And the Philistines H6430 followed hard H1692 upon Saul H7586 and upon his sons H1121; and the Philistines H6430 slew H5221 Jonathan H3083, and Abinadab H41, and Malchishua H4444, Saul's H7586 sons H1121.
Complete Jewish Bible
The P'lishtim pursued and overtook Sha'ul and his sons; and the P'lishtim killed Y'honatan, Avinadav and Malkishua, the sons of Sha'ul.
Berean Standard Bible
The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.
American Standard Version
And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul.
World English Bible Messianic
The Philistines followed hard on Saul and on his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And the Philistims preassed sore vpon Saul and his sonnes, and slewe Ionathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua Sauls sonnes.
Young's Literal Translation
and the Philistines follow Saul and his sons, and the Philistines smite Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, sons of Saul.
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 31 verses 1–7
1 ¶ Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain in mount Gilboa.
2 And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul's sons.
3 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.
4 Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armourbearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell upon it.
5 And when his armourbearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and died with him.
6 So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.
7 And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them.
The day of recompence has now come, in which Saul must account for the blood of the Amalekites which he had sinfully spared, and that of the priests which he had more sinfully spilt; that of David too, which he would have spilt, must come into the account. Now his day has come to fall, as David foresaw, when he should descend into battle and perish, Sa1 26:10. Come and see the righteous judgments of God.
I. He sees his soldiers fall about him, Sa1 31:1. Whether the Philistines were more numerous, better posted, and better led on, or what other advantages they had, we are not told; but it seems they were more vigorous, for they made the onset; they fought against Israel, and the Israelites fled and fell. The best of the troops were put into disorder, and multitudes slain, probably those whom Saul had employed in pursuing David. Thus those who had followed him and served him in his sin went before him in his fall and shared with him in his plagues.
II. He sees his sons fall before him. The victorious Philistines pressed most forcibly upon the king of Israel and those about him. His three sons were next him, it is probable, and they were all three slain before his face, to his great grief (for they were the hopes of his family) and to his great terror, for they were now the guard of his person, and he could conclude no other than that his own turn would come next. His sons are named (Sa1 31:2), and it grieves us to find Jonathan among them: that wise, valiant, good man, who was as much David's friend as Saul was his enemy, yet falls with the rest. Duty to his father would not permit him to stay at home, or to retire when the armies engaged; and Providence so orders it that he falls in the common fate of his family, though he never involved himself in the guilt of it; so that the observation of Eliphaz does not hold (Job 4:7), Who ever perished being innocent? For here was one. What shall we say to it? 1. God would hereby complete the vexation of Saul in his dying moments, and the judgment that was to be executed upon his house. If the family must fall, Jonathan, that is one of it, must fall with it. 2. He would hereby make David's way to the crown the more clear and open. For, though Jonathan himself would have cheerfully resigned all his title and interest to him (we have no reason to suspect any other), yet it is very probable that many of the people would have made use of his name for the support of the house of Saul, or at least would have come in but slowly to David. If Ishbosheth (who was now left at home as one unfit for action, and so escaped) had so many friends, what would Jonathan have had, who had been the darling of the people and had never forfeited their favour? Those that were so anxious to have a king like the nations would be zealous for the right line, especially if that threw the crown upon such a head as Jonathan's. This would have embarrassed David; and, if Jonathan could have prevailed to bring in all his interest to David, then it would have been said that Jonathan had made him king, whereas God was to have all the glory. This is the Lord's doing. So that though the death of Jonathan would be a great affliction to David, yet, by making him mindful of his own frailty, as well as by facilitating his accession to the throne, it would be an advantage to him. 3. God would hereby show us that the difference between good and bad is to be made in the other world, not in this. All things come alike to all. We cannot judge of the spiritual or eternal state of any by the manner of their death; for in that there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked.
III. He himself is sorely wounded by the Philistines and then slain by his own hand. The archers hit him (Sa1 31:3), so that he could neither fight nor fly, and therefore must inevitably fall into their hands. Thus, to make him the more miserable, destruction comes gradually upon him, and he dies so as to feel himself die. To such an extremity was he now reduced that, 1. He was desirous to die by the hand of his own servant rather than by the hand of the Philistines, lest they should abuse him as they had abused Samson. Miserable man! He finds himself dying, and all his care is to keep his body out of the hands of the Philistines, instead of being solicitous to resign his soul into the hands of God who gave it, Ecc 12:7. As he lived, so he died, proud and jealous, and a terror to himself and all about him. Those who rightly understand the matter think it of small account, in comparison, how it is with them in death, so it may but be well with them after death. Those are in a deplorable condition indeed who, being bitter in soul, long for death, but it cometh not (Job 3:20, Job 3:21), especially those who, despairing of the mercy of god, like Judas, leap into a hell before them, to escape a hell within them. 2. When he could not obtain that favour he became his own executioner, thinking hereby to avoid shame, but running upon a heinous sin, and with it entailing upon his own name a mark of perpetual infamy, as felo de se - a self-murderer. Jonathan, who received his death-wound from the hand of the Philistines and bravely yielded to the fate of war, died on the bed of honour; but Saul died as a fool dieth, as a coward dieth - a proud fool, a sneaking coward; he died as a man that had neither the fear of God nor hope in God, neither the reason of a man nor the religion of an Israelite, much less the dignity of a prince or the resolution of a soldier. Let us all pray, Lord, lead us not into temptation, this temptation. His armour-bearer would not run him through, and he did well to refuse it; for no man's servant ought to be a slave to his master's lusts or passions of any kind. The reason given is that he was sorely afraid, not of death, for he himself ran wilfully upon that immediately; but, having a profound reverence for the king his master, he could not conquer that so far as to do him any hurt; or perhaps he feared lest his trembling hand should give him but half a blow, and so put him to the greater misery.
IV. His armour-bearer who refused to kill him refused not to die with him, but fell likewise upon his sword, Sa1 31:5. This was an aggravating circumstance of the death of Saul, that, by the example of his wickedness in murdering himself, he drew in his servant to be guilty of the same wickedness, and perished not alone in his iniquity. The Jews say that Saul's armour-bearer was Doeg, whom he preferred to that dignity for killing the priests, and, if so, justly does his violent dealing return on his own head. David had foretold concerning him that God would destroy him for ever, Psa 52:5.
V. The country was put into such confusion by the rout of Saul's army that the inhabitants of the neighbouring cities (on that side Jordan, as it might be read) quitted them, and the Philistines, for a time, had possession of them, till things were settled in Israel (Sa1 31:7), to such a sad pass had Saul by his wickedness brought his country, which might have remained in the hands of the uncircumcised if David had not been raised up to repair the breaches of it. See what a king he proved for whom they rejected God and Samuel. They had still done wickedly (it is to be feared) as well as he, and therefore were consumed both they and their king, as the prophet had foretold concerning them, Sa1 12:25. And to this reference is had long after. Hos 13:10, Hos 13:11, "Where are thy saviours in all thy cities, of whom thou saidst, Give me a king and princes? I gave thee a king in my anger, and took him away in my wrath; that is, he was a plague to thee living and dying; thou couldst expect no other."
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
The Philistines attacked Saul and his sons, etc. The surrounding nations attacked with full intention to destroy the kingdom of Judea and to remove the sons of that kingdom from their midst, and they corrupted the priests, Scribes, and Pharisees with their corruption, namely the sons and teachers of that kingdom. They even prevented the heretics from preaching or worshiping the grace of the Holy Spirit with a simple heart, which is to strike Jonathan, that is, the gift of the dove. They forbade praising the Father, who made us his sons not by nature but by adoption, with worthy confession; which signifies the killing of Abinadab, that is, my voluntary Father. They opposed believing that salvation would come to the world in the kingdom of Christ; which indicates the killing of Melchisue, who is called My King Salvation, I believe. A philosopher, who seduced Arius, killed Melchisue as if; who Macedonius, Jonathan; who Manichae, Abinadab, because namely that one taught to deny the omnipotence of the true king Christ, that one to derogate from the gifts of the Holy Spirit, this one to blaspheme the goodness of the highest Father, master of corruption.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 31:2 presents the devastating and tragic climax of King Saul's reign, recounting the relentless and fatal pursuit of Saul and his sons by the Philistines during the decisive Battle of Mount Gilboa. This somber verse explicitly details the deaths of three of Saul's direct heirs—Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua—at the hands of their long-standing enemies, marking an irreparable loss for Israel and directly preceding Saul's own demise. This pivotal moment not only signifies the complete collapse of Saul's dynasty but also profoundly sets the stage for the divinely ordained transition of kingship to David, ushering in a new era for the nation.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its tragic and pivotal message. Climax is powerfully evident, as this verse represents the narrative peak of Saul's downfall, directly preceding his own death and the complete collapse of his kingdom. The relentless pursuit and subsequent brutal deaths of his sons bring the long-standing conflict with the Philistines and Saul's personal tragedy to a devastating head. There is a strong sense of Pathos, evoking deep sorrow and pity for the fallen, especially Jonathan, whose noble character and unwavering loyalty have been meticulously established throughout the preceding narrative. The abrupt and direct listing of the slain sons' names underscores the sudden and brutal reality of death in battle, stripping away any romanticized notions of warfare. Furthermore, a subtle yet profound Irony is present: Saul, initially chosen by God to deliver Israel from the Philistines, ultimately falls at their hands, and his sons with him, highlighting the tragic trajectory of a disobedient king whose reign ends in utter defeat by the very enemy he was meant to subdue. The entire narrative of Saul's reign, marked by disobedience and leading to this precise moment, functions as Foreshadowing, where earlier prophecies and Saul's own acts of rebellion predict this ultimate defeat and the demise of his kingdom.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The tragic events of 1 Samuel 31:2 serve as a profound theological statement on the severe consequences of rebellion against divine authority and the unwavering, sovereign nature of God's redemptive plan. While the immediate cause of death is the Philistine army, the broader biblical narrative consistently frames Saul's downfall as a direct result of his persistent disobedience and spiritual rebellion against God's explicit commands (e.g., his unlawful sacrifice in 1 Samuel 13 and his failure to utterly destroy the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15). The death of his sons, including the righteous Jonathan, underscores the corporate dimension of judgment prevalent in ancient Israel, where the consequences of a leader's sin could tragically extend to his household and the entire nation. Yet, even amidst such profound loss and human failure, God's overarching purpose is unmistakably evident: the removal of Saul's failed kingship is a necessary, albeit painful, step that paves the way for the establishment of the Davidic covenant, a kingdom founded on God's chosen king, a man after His own heart. This painful transition, therefore, is ultimately a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His promises, even when achieved through human suffering and the apparent triumph of enemies.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark reality presented in 1 Samuel 31:2 offers a sobering and profound reflection on the gravity of choices, especially those made in positions of authority, and the far-reaching consequences of disobedience. Saul's tragic end, culminating in the death of his sons, serves as a powerful and timeless reminder that spiritual rebellion, persistent self-will, and a refusal to submit to God's commands can lead to devastating outcomes, not only for the individual but also for those intimately connected to them. This passage calls us to a deep self-examination: are we faithfully seeking God's guidance and diligently obeying His commands, or are we, like Saul, prone to relying on our own strength, wisdom, or perceived expediency? It underscores the critical importance of humility, genuine repentance, and unwavering faithfulness to God, particularly when the path is difficult or unpopular. Yet, even amidst such profound loss and human failure, the narrative subtly but powerfully points to God's unwavering sovereignty. His larger redemptive plan continues to unfold, ensuring that His ultimate purposes will be accomplished, even if it means navigating through painful transitions and human suffering. This encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's ultimate control, finding hope and resilience even in the midst of life's most challenging and seemingly tragic circumstances, knowing that His kingdom will ultimately prevail and His will be done.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Jonathan, a seemingly righteous man, killed alongside his disobedient father?
Answer: Jonathan's death alongside Saul is a deeply poignant and often perplexing aspect of this tragedy. While Jonathan consistently demonstrated remarkable faithfulness to God and unwavering loyalty to David (as seen in their covenant of friendship in 1 Samuel 20), he was inextricably linked to Saul's household and army. In ancient Israel, there was often a corporate dimension to judgment, where the consequences of a leader's or family's sin could extend to those associated with them, even if individually righteous. Jonathan, as a prince and a warrior, was engaged in the battle that was a direct outcome of his father's failed reign and God's judgment upon it. His death underscores the devastating reach of sin's consequences and the mystery of suffering, even for those who walk righteously. It also highlights God's sovereign plan to completely remove Saul's line to make way for David's divinely appointed kingdom, demonstrating that even the most beloved figures can be caught in the sweep of divine judgment against a rebellious house, ultimately serving a larger redemptive purpose.
What was the significance of the Philistines slaying Saul's sons before Saul himself?
Answer: The slaying of Saul's sons before his own death carried immense and multi-layered significance. Primarily, it emphasized the complete and utter destruction of Saul's royal lineage and the definitive end of his dynasty. For Saul, witnessing the demise of his heirs would have been a profound humiliation and a deeper personal tragedy than his own death, ensuring that his legacy would not continue through his direct descendants. This act also served the Philistines' strategic purpose of completely neutralizing any immediate threat of a successor from Saul's house, thereby solidifying their victory and control over Israel. From a theological perspective, it underscored the finality of God's judgment against Saul's kingdom, ensuring that the path was decisively cleared for the divinely appointed Davidic line to begin its reign, fulfilling God's prophetic word.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic collapse of Saul's kingdom and the demise of his sons at Mount Gilboa, as vividly depicted in 1 Samuel 31:2, serves as a profound and sobering foreshadowing of humanity's ultimate need for a perfect, eternal, and righteous King—Jesus Christ. Saul's catastrophic failure, marked by disobedience, self-reliance, and a reign that culminated in utter ruin, powerfully highlights the inherent limitations, sinfulness, and transience of all earthly rulers and human institutions. Unlike Saul, whose kingdom ended in defeat and death, Jesus Christ, the true King of Israel and the cosmos, established a kingdom that is eternal, unshakeable, and ever-expanding (as promised in Isaiah 9:6-7). The death of Saul's sons, intended to secure his lineage, stands in stark contrast to Christ, who, though He willingly died on the cross, conquered death definitively and now lives forever, holding an unchangeable priesthood and an eternal kingship (as affirmed in Hebrews 7:24). The Philistine victory at Gilboa, a moment of deep despair and national humiliation for Israel, is ultimately reversed and swallowed up in Christ's glorious triumph over sin, death, and all spiritual enemies (as powerfully declared in Colossians 2:15). Jonathan's noble character, his unwavering loyalty to David despite his father's failings, and his willingness to sacrifice can be seen as a faint yet poignant shadow of those who, by faith, abandon allegiance to the fleeting powers of this world to pledge their ultimate loyalty to the true King, Jesus, who is "the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5). Thus, the tragedy of Gilboa ultimately points beyond itself to the glorious, enduring, and victorious reign of the Messiah, whose kingdom will never end.