CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 31:2 The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul's sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/31-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/09_1Sa_31_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 31:2 - Saul's Overthrow and Death" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul's sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/31-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/31-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/31.htm">Chapter 31</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm" title="1 Samuel 31:1">◄</a> 1 Samuel 31:2 <a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm" title="1 Samuel 31:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/31.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The Philistines were in hot pursuit of Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab and Malki-Shua.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The Philistines closed in on Saul and his sons, and they killed three of his sons—Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malkishua.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul's sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons. And the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul’s sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the Philistines also overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua the sons of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua the sons of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the Philistines closely pursued Saul and his sons; and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and they killed Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, Saul’s sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines pursued Saul and his sons and killed his sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons and killed his sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The Philistines closed in on Saul and his sons, and they killed his sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The Philistines caught up to Saul and his sons. They killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul's sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But the Philistines caught up with them and killed three of Saul's sons, Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The Philistines pursued Saul and his sons. The Philistines struck down Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, Saul's sons. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul?s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines stayed right on the heels of Saul and his sons. They struck down Saul's sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malki-Shua.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines followed hard on Saul and on his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malkishua, the sons of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, Saul's sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the Philistines follow Saul and his sons, and the Philistines strike Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the Philistines follow Saul and his sons, and the Philistines smite Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, sons of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the rovers will stick fast to Saul and his sons; and the rovers will strike Jonathan and Abinadab and Melchisua, Saul's sons.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Philistines fell upon Saul, and upon his sons, and they slew Jonathan, and Abinadab and Melchisua the sons of Saul. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Philistines rushed upon Saul, and upon his sons, and they struck down Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The Philistines pressed hard after Saul and his sons. When the Philistines had struck down Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, sons of Saul,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and the Philistines killed Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchishua, the sons of Saul.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan and Jeshui and Melchishua, Saul's sons.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Philistines overtook Shaul and his sons, and the Philistines murdered Jonathan and Yashui and Melkishua, the sons of Shaul<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the sons of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Philistines press closely on Saul and his sons, and the Philistines smite Jonathan, and Aminadab, and Melchisa son of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/31-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=8997" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/31.htm">Saul's Overthrow and Death</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: p̄ə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">The Philistines</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1692.htm" title="1692: way·yaḏ·bə·qū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To cling, cleave, keep close. A primitive root; properly, to impinge, i.e. Cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit.">followed hard after</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bā·nāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">and his sons,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: way·yak·kū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">and they killed</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: p̄ə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/3083.htm" title="3083: yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān (N-proper-ms) -- From Yhovah and nathan; Jehovah-given; Jehonathan, the name of four Israelites.">Jonathan,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/41.htm" title="41: ’ă·ḇî·nā·ḏāḇ (N-proper-ms) -- My father is noble, three Isr. From 'ab and nadab; father of generosity; Abinadab, the name of four Israelites.">Abinadab,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/4444.htm" title="4444: mal·kî- (Prep) -- My king is wealth, a son of Saul. From melek and shuwa'; king of wealth; Malkishua, an Israelite."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4444.htm" title="4444: šū·a‘ (N-proper-ms) -- My king is wealth, a son of Saul. From melek and shuwa'; king of wealth; Malkishua, an Israelite.">Malchishua.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/10-2.htm">1 Chronicles 10:2</a></span><br />The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">2 Samuel 1:6-10</a></span><br />“I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” he replied, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and the cavalry closing in on him. / When he turned around and saw me, he called out to me, and I answered, ‘Here I am!’ / ‘Who are you?’ he asked. So I told him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/1-17.htm">2 Samuel 1:17-27</a></span><br />Then David took up this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan, / and he ordered that the sons of Judah be taught the Song of the Bow. It is written in the Book of Jashar: / “Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/2-4.htm">2 Samuel 2:4-7</a></span><br />Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” / So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead to tell them, “The LORD bless you, because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him. / Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-12.htm">2 Samuel 21:12-14</a></span><br />he went and took the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the public square of Beth-shan where the Philistines had hung the bodies after they had struck down Saul at Gilboa. / So David had the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan brought from there, and they also gathered the bones of those who had been hanged. / And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in Zela in the land of Benjamin, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything the king had commanded, God answered their prayers for the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-49.htm">1 Samuel 14:49</a></span><br />Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. His two daughters were named Merab (his firstborn) and Michal (his younger daughter).<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/28-19.htm">1 Samuel 28:19</a></span><br />Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">1 Samuel 18:12</a></span><br />So Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with David but had departed from Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-31.htm">1 Samuel 20:31</a></span><br />For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/22-18.htm">1 Samuel 22:18</a></span><br />So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-44.htm">1 Samuel 25:44</a></span><br />But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-33.htm">1 Kings 2:33</a></span><br />Their blood will come back upon the heads of Joab and his descendants forever; but for David, his descendants, his house, and his throne, there shall be peace from the LORD forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/8-33.htm">1 Chronicles 8:33</a></span><br />Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/9-39.htm">1 Chronicles 9:39</a></span><br />Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-6.htm">Matthew 1:6</a></span><br />and Jesse the father of David the king. Next: David was the father of Solomon by Uriah’s wife,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the Philistines followed hard on Saul and on his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchishua, Saul's sons.</p><p class="hdg">followed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/14-22.htm">1 Samuel 14:22</a></b></br> Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, <i>when</i> they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">2 Samuel 1:6</a></b></br> And the young man that told him said, As I happened by chance upon mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned upon his spear; and, lo, the chariots and horsemen followed hard after him.</p><p class="hdg">Jonathan</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/13-2.htm">1 Samuel 13:2,16</a></b></br> Saul chose him three thousand <i>men</i> of Israel; <i>whereof</i> two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/14-1.htm">1 Samuel 14:1-14,49</a></b></br> Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that <i>is</i> on the other side. But he told not his father… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">1 Samuel 18:1-4</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul… </p><p class="hdg">Saul's sons</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/20-5.htm">Exodus 20:5</a></b></br> Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God <i>am</i> a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth <i>generation</i> of them that hate me;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/25-7.htm">2 Kings 25:7</a></b></br> And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/17-13.htm">Abinadab</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-13.htm">Abin'adab</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-15.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-21.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-42.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-3.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-18.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-2.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-49.htm">Malchishua</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-49.htm">Mal'chishu'a</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-49.htm">Malchi-Shua</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-49.htm">Malki-Shua</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-49.htm">Melchishua</a> <a href="/judges/20-45.htm">Overtook</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-12.htm">Pressed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/29-5.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-12.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-2.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">Smite</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_samuel/6-3.htm">Abinadab</a> <a href="/2_samuel/6-3.htm">Abin'adab</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-5.htm">Death</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-9.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-6.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-4.htm">Jonathan</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-10.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/8-33.htm">Malchishua</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/8-33.htm">Mal'chishu'a</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/8-33.htm">Malchi-Shua</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/8-33.htm">Malki-Shua</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-49.htm">Melchishua</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm">Overtook</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-7.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm">Pressed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">Saul's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-10.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-22.htm">Smite</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm">Saul, having lost his army, and his sons slain, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/31-4.htm">he and his armor bearer kill themselves.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/31-7.htm">The Philistines possess the forsaken towns of the Israelites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/31-8.htm">They triumph over the dead bodies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/31-11.htm">They of Jabesh Gilead recovering the dead bodies by night, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/31-12.htm">burn them at Jabesh, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/31-13.htm">and mournfully bury their bodies.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/31.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons</b><br>The Philistines were a significant adversary of Israel, often engaging in battles with them. This pursuit indicates a relentless and aggressive military strategy. The Philistines were known for their advanced weaponry and military tactics, which were superior to those of the Israelites at the time. This pursuit is a culmination of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines, which is a recurring theme throughout the books of Samuel. The Philistines' pursuit of Saul and his sons signifies the intensity of the battle and the desperation of the situation for Israel. This moment fulfills Samuel's prophecy to Saul about the impending defeat and death (<a href="/1_samuel/28-19.htm">1 Samuel 28:19</a>).<p><b>and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua</b><br>The death of Saul's sons marks a significant turning point in Israel's history. Jonathan, in particular, was a beloved figure known for his deep friendship with David and his loyalty to his father, Saul. His death is a poignant moment, highlighting the tragic consequences of Saul's disobedience to God. Abinadab and Malchishua, though less prominently featured in the biblical narrative, represent the end of Saul's lineage and the fulfillment of God's judgment against Saul's house. The loss of Saul's sons also paves the way for David's rise to kingship, as the removal of Saul's heirs eliminates potential rivals to the throne. This event is a sobering reminder of the cost of disobedience and the fulfillment of divine prophecy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A significant enemy of Israel during the time of Saul, known for their military prowess and frequent conflicts with the Israelites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel, whose reign was marked by disobedience to God and eventual downfall.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jonathan.htm">Jonathan</a></b><br>Saul's eldest son, known for his deep friendship with David and his loyalty to his father, Saul.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/abinadab.htm">Abinadab</a></b><br>One of Saul's sons, mentioned in the context of this battle.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/malchishua.htm">Malchishua</a></b><br>Another son of Saul, also killed in this battle against the Philistines.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>Saul's failure to obey God's commands led to his downfall and the loss of his sons. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_leadership.htm">The Cost of Leadership</a></b><br>Saul's account illustrates the heavy burden of leadership and the impact of a leader's actions on their family and nation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_tragedy_of_war.htm">The Tragedy of War</a></b><br>The death of Saul's sons highlights the tragic consequences of war and conflict, urging us to seek peace and reconciliation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/loyalty_and_friendship.htm">Loyalty and Friendship</a></b><br>Jonathan's life exemplifies loyalty and friendship, even in the face of personal loss, encouraging us to cultivate deep, godly relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite the tragic events, God's sovereign plan unfolds, leading to the eventual rise of David as king, reminding us of God's ultimate control over history.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_this_mindset_present_in_you.htm">What does 'How the mighty have fallen' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_2_samuel_9_1_historically_verifiable.htm">In 2 Samuel 9:1, how is it historical or archaeologically verifiable that no one else knew of Saul’s surviving heir except David’s court? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_the_conflict_on_who_attacked_philistines.htm">Why does 1 Samuel 13:3-4 give conflicting impressions of who actually attacked the Philistine garrison, Jonathan or Saul?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_david_execute_the_amalekite.htm">2 Samuel 1:13-16: Why would David execute the Amalekite based solely on his own confession with no corroborating witnesses?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons.</span>--"The details of the battle are but seen in broken snatches, as in the short scene of a battle acted upon the stage, or beheld at remote glimpses by an accidental spectator. But amidst the showers of arrows from the Philistine archers, or pressed hard even on the mountain side by their charioteers, the figure of the king emerges from the darkness. His three sons have fallen before him; his armourbearer lies dead beside him."--Stanley: <span class= "ital">Jewish Church, </span>Lect<span class= "ital">. </span>21<p><span class= "bld">And the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchi-shua, Saul's sons.</span>--But while, in his own record of the national disaster, the compiler or historian, in his stern sorrow, expunges every detail, and represses every expression of feeling, he gives us in the next chapter (<a href="/context/2_samuel/1-1.htm" title="Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and David had stayed two days in Ziklag;">2Samuel 1:1-27</a>) the stately elegy, in the beautiful moving words which the successor to the throne wrote on the death of the first king and his heroic son. Without comment he copies into his record the hymn of David on Saul and Jonathan, just as he found it in the <span class= "ital">Book of Jashar </span>(the collection of national odes celebrating the heroes of the Theocracy). "There David speaks of the Saul of earlier times--the mighty conqueror, the delight of his people, the father of his beloved and faithful friend--like him in life, united with him in death." (Stanley).<p>"Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives<p>And in their death they were not divided.<p>Than eagles they were swifter, than lions more strong."<p>(<a href="/2_samuel/1-23.htm" title="Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.">2Samuel 1:23</a>.) From the lost <span class= "ital">Book of Jashar.</span><p>Nothing is known of the two younger princes who fell fighting here by their father's side, sword in hand against the enemies of their country.<p>The hero Jonathan and his two brave brothers, as far as we can gather from the scanty details of the battle after the army was routed in the valley of Jezreel, retreated (fighting all the while) to the hill of Gilboa. There, it seems, they made the last stand with the <span class= "ital">fideles </span>of the royal house of Saul (<a href="/1_samuel/31-6.htm" title="So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor bearer, and all his men, that same day together.">1Samuel 31:6</a>), and there, no doubt defending the king to the last, they fell. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/31-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The Philistines</span><br /><span class="heb">פְלִשְׁתִּ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ə·liš·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> </span><span class="str2">Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia</span><br /><br /><span class="word">followed hard after</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּדְבְּק֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yaḏ·bə·qū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1692.htm">Strong's 1692: </a> </span><span class="str2">To impinge, cling, adhere, to catch by pursuit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֖וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and his sons,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּנָ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(bā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and they killed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּכּ֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yak·kū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Saul’s</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁאֽוּל׃</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sons</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jonathan,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוֹנָתָ֧ן</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3083.htm">Strong's 3083: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abinadab,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִינָדָ֛ב</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇî·nā·ḏāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_41.htm">Strong's 41: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abinadab -- 'my father is noble', three Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Malchishua.</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁ֖וּעַ</span> <span class="translit">(šū·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4444.htm">Strong's 4444: </a> </span><span class="str2">Malchi-shua -- 'my king is wealth', a son of Saul</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/31-2.htm">1 Samuel 31:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/31-2.htm">1 Samuel 31:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/31-2.htm">1 Samuel 31:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/31-2.htm">1 Samuel 31:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/31-2.htm">1 Samuel 31:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/31-2.htm">1 Samuel 31:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/31-2.htm">1 Samuel 31:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/31-2.htm">1 Samuel 31:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/31-2.htm">1 Samuel 31:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/31-2.htm">1 Samuel 31:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/31-2.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 31:2 The Philistines followed hard on Saul (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/31-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 31:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 31:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/31-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 31:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 31:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>