1 Samuel 31:2
And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul and upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, Saul's sons.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּדְבְּק֣וּ
followed hard
H1692
וַיַּדְבְּק֣וּ
followed hard
Strong's:
H1692
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
And the Philistines
H6430
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
And the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
2 of 16
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֥י
and upon his sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
and upon his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 16
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַיַּכּ֣וּ
slew
H5221
וַיַּכּ֣וּ
slew
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
7 of 16
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
And the Philistines
H6430
פְלִשְׁתִּ֗ים
And the Philistines
Strong's:
H6430
Word #:
8 of 16
a pelishtite or inhabitant of pelesheth
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
1 Chronicles 8:33And Ner begat Kish, and Kish begat Saul, and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchi-shua, and Abinadab, and Esh-baal.1 Samuel 14:49Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, and Ishui, and Melchi-shua: and the names of his two daughters were these; the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:
Historical Context
The naming of three sons indicates the battle was a targeting operation against the royal family. Ish-bosheth (called Esh-baal in Chronicles) survived, apparently not present at the battle, to provide brief opposition to David's reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you process the loss of righteous people in circumstances connected to others' sin?
- What does Jonathan's death, faithful to the end, teach about faithfulness regardless of outcome?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Philistines' pursuit specifically targets Saul's sons, eliminating the succession. Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua fall together. The Hebrew 'wayyabhiqqu' (followed hard, stuck close to) indicates determined pursuit, not random battlefield death. Jonathan's death creates particular pathos: David's closest friend and covenant partner dies fighting against the Philistines David was supposed to have joined. The prince who loved David dies while David is providentially absent.