1 Samuel Chapter 31 · Verse 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?
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.