The Death of Jonathan and Saul on Mount Gilboa

1 Samuel 28

1 And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said to David, Know you assuredly, that you shall go out with me to battle, you and your men.

2 And David said to Achish, Surely you shall know what your servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make you keeper of my head for ever.

3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.

4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.

5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.

6 And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

7 Then said Saul to his servants, Seek me a woman that has a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that has a familiar spirit at Endor.

8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray you, divine to me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name to you.

9 And the woman said to him, Behold, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: why then lay you a snare for my life, to cause me to die?

10 And Saul swore to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD lives, there shall no punishment happen to you for this thing.

11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up to you? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.

12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spoke to Saul, saying, Why have you deceived me? for you are Saul.

13 And the king said to her, Be not afraid: for what saw you? And the woman said to Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.

14 And he said to her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man comes up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.

15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why have you disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answers me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called you, that you may make known to me what I shall do.

16 Then said Samuel, Why then do you ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from you, and is become your enemy?

17 And the LORD has done to him, as he spoke by me: for the LORD has rent the kingdom out of your hand, and given it to your neighbor, even to David:

18 Because you obeyed not the voice of the LORD, nor executed his fierce wrath on Amalek, therefore has the LORD done this thing to you this day.

19 Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shall you and your sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.

21 And the woman came to Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said to him, Behold, your handmaid has obeyed your voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have listened to your words which you spoke to me.

22 Now therefore, I pray you, listen you also to the voice of your handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before you; and eat, that you may have strength, when you go on your way.

23 But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat on the bed.

24 And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hurried, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:

25 And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.

Saul’s son Jonathan, who was David’s devoted friend, was indeed the son whose death was predicted and who subsequently fell in battle against the Philistines alongside his father 1 Samuel 28:19BHOTV4 142.1+1.

The Prophecy at Endor

When Saul, in his desperation, consulted a woman with a familiar spirit at Endor, he was met with a terrifying message from a spirit personating the deceased prophet SamuelPP 680.2+2. This messenger informed the king that because of his rebellion and failure to execute God's wrath upon the Amalekites, the Lord had rent the kingdom from him and given it to David 1 Samuel 28:17-18SWE 10.3. Furthermore, the spirit explicitly predicted that the very next day, Saul and his sons would be dead 1 Samuel 28:19SWE 10.3. Specifically, the message stated, "to-morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me," foretelling their imminent demise at the hands of the Philistines 1 Samuel 28:19SWE 10.3.

The Battle of Gilboa

The fulfillment of this prediction occurred quickly on the slopes of Mount Gilboa 1 Samuel 31:1BHOTV4 142.1+1. As the Philistine host pressed their attack, the Israelites were forced to retreat, and the slaughter was great 1 Samuel 31:1BHOTV4 142.1. During this fierce combat, the Philistines slew three of Saul's sons:

• Jonathan, the king's eldest and the noble friend of David 1 Samuel 31:2BHOTV4 142.1+1.

• Abinadab 1 Samuel 31:2ETI Saul.10.

• Malchishua (also referred to as Melchishua) 1 Samuel 31:2+1ETI Saul.10.

Saul himself, seeing that the battle had gone sore against him and fearing abuse from the enemy's archers, ultimately took his own life by falling upon his sword 1 Samuel 31:3-4BHOTV4 142.1+1.

The Legacy of Jonathan

Jonathan is remembered as a man of deep faith who feared the Lord and had previously been used as a divine instrument to deliver IsraelPP 623.1+1. His bond with David was so profound that their hearts were "knit together," and David later celebrated Jonathan's loyalty in a beautiful elegy, noting that Jonathan's love for him was wonderful, "passing the love of women" 1 Samuel 18:1+1PP 695.1+1. Although Jonathan died on Gilboa, David remained mindful of their covenant, eventually showing great kindness to Jonathan's remaining son, Mephibosheth, who had been maimed as a child during the flight from Jezreel after the news of the battle arrived 2 Samuel 4:4+1PP 713.1+1. The remains of both Saul and Jonathan were eventually recovered and buried with honor in the sepulcher of Kish in the country of Benjamin 2 Samuel 21:12-14BHOTV5 36.3+1.

1 Samuel 28

1 And it came to pass in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And Achish said to David, Know you assuredly, that you shall go out with me to battle, you and your men.

2 And David said to Achish, Surely you shall know what your servant can do. And Achish said to David, Therefore will I make you keeper of my head for ever.

3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.

4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they pitched in Gilboa.

5 And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled.

6 And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

7 Then said Saul to his servants, Seek me a woman that has a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that has a familiar spirit at Endor.

8 And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray you, divine to me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name to you.

9 And the woman said to him, Behold, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: why then lay you a snare for my life, to cause me to die?

10 And Saul swore to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD lives, there shall no punishment happen to you for this thing.

11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up to you? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.

12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spoke to Saul, saying, Why have you deceived me? for you are Saul.

13 And the king said to her, Be not afraid: for what saw you? And the woman said to Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.

14 And he said to her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man comes up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.

15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why have you disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answers me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called you, that you may make known to me what I shall do.

16 Then said Samuel, Why then do you ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from you, and is become your enemy?

17 And the LORD has done to him, as he spoke by me: for the LORD has rent the kingdom out of your hand, and given it to your neighbor, even to David:

18 Because you obeyed not the voice of the LORD, nor executed his fierce wrath on Amalek, therefore has the LORD done this thing to you this day.

19 Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shall you and your sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.

20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.

21 And the woman came to Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said to him, Behold, your handmaid has obeyed your voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have listened to your words which you spoke to me.

22 Now therefore, I pray you, listen you also to the voice of your handmaid, and let me set a morsel of bread before you; and eat, that you may have strength, when you go on your way.

23 But he refused, and said, I will not eat. But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him; and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the earth, and sat on the bed.

24 And the woman had a fat calf in the house; and she hurried, and killed it, and took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread thereof:

25 And she brought it before Saul, and before his servants; and they did eat. Then they rose up, and went away that night.

1 Samuel 31

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 on Saul and on his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchishua, 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 to his armor bearer, Draw your sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armor bearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell on it.

5 And when his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise on his sword, and died with him.

6 So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor bearer, 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 dwelled in them.

8 And it came to pass on the morrow, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen in mount Gilboa.

9 And they cut off his head, and stripped off his armor, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their idols, and among the people.

10 And they put his armor in the house of Ashtaroth: and they fastened his body to the wall of Bethshan.

11 And when the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead heard of that which the Philistines had done to Saul;

12 All the valiant men arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethshan, and came to Jabesh, and burnt them there.

13 And they took their bones, and buried them under a tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

Jonathan’s death on Mount Gilboa alongside his father was the fulfillment of a solemn divine decree regarding the house of Saul, yet it served as a testimony to his own unwavering loyalty and the tragic consequences of sin within a family and nation 1 Samuel 31:2PP 680.2+1. While Jonathan was indeed a man of remarkable innocence and faith, he chose to remain by his father’s side during the final crisis, ultimately sharing in the temporal results of the kingdom's collapse 1 Samuel 31:61SP 359.1+1.

The Nature of the Judgment

• A Final Conclusion: The rebellion of Saul had reached a point where he was fully placed in the power of Satan, and the message at Endor was a declaration of the end of his probation and his entire dynasty 1 Samuel 28:19PP 680.2+1.

• The Weight of Heredity: As a child of the human race, even the best individuals are subject to the working of the law of heredity and the general results of sin's curse upon the earthHLv 28.1+1.

• National Consequences: When leaders disregard God's will, the entire nation often suffers, and even the noble may fall in the ensuing calamities brought about by that disobedience 1 Samuel 31:1PP 626.1+1.

Jonathan’s Innocent Character

Jonathan lived a life of distinct purity and spiritual strength, often acting as a deliverer for Israel when others were afraid1SP 359.1+1.

• Faithful to God: He operated under the guidance of the Lord, and angels fought by his side during his great victory at Geba1SP 359.1+1.

• Selfless Friendship: He possessed a childlike simplicity and a love for David that was entirely devoid of selfish ambition or jealousy, even though he was the natural heir to the throne 1 Samuel 20:34SSP 81.1+1.

• Moral Integrity: He stood in moral indignation against his father's cruelty and remained a "man of truth," refusing to participate in Saul’s murderous designsBHOTV4 108.1+1.

The Purpose of his Death

• A United Fate: Jonathan and Saul were "lovely and pleasant in their lives," and in their death, they were not divided, signifying Jonathan’s commitment to his father despite Saul's apostasy 2 Samuel 1:23BHOTV4 145.2+1.

• Preservation from Future Strife: His death removed potential obstacles and conflicts that might have arisen between his supporters and David’s, clearing the way for David to eventually ascend the throne at Hebron 2 Samuel 2:1-4PP 697.1+1.

• Eternal Reward vs. Temporal Loss: While the "wages of sin is death," this refers to the ultimate second death for the impenitent Romans 6:23ATO 61.3+1. For the righteous like Jonathan, temporal death on the battlefield is not a sign of divine displeasure but a transition toward a better resurrection Hebrews 11:35SOTC 40.1+1.

The Lessons of Gilboa

The "mountains of Gilboa" became a symbol of spiritual barrenness because the shield of the mighty was "vilely cast away" there 2 Samuel 1:211SAT 121.1+1. David’s lament for Jonathan highlights that his death was a profound loss to the "people of Jehovah," yet it underscores that God’s ways are just, even when He allows the innocent to fall with the guilty in the midst of national judgment 2 Samuel 1:12BHOTV4 145.2+1. 🌿