1 Samuel 31:2

“And the Philistines followed hard upon Saul, etc.] Stuck to him, pushed him close, bore hard upon him in that part of the army where he was having a design upon his person: and upon his sons; who were with him: and the Philistines slew Jonathan; who is mentioned first, being the eldest son, and perhaps first slain; and this was so ordered by the providence of God, that David’s way to the throne might be more clear and easy; for though Jonathan would not have opposed him himself, yet the people, fond of him, would, at least many of them, been for setting him on the throne; and though he would have refused it, knowing David was the Lord’s anointed, and have made interest for him, this would…”

“Jonathan - David's dear friend; God so ordering it for the farther exercise of David's faith and patience; and that David might depend upon God alone for his crown, and receive it solely from him, and not from Jonathan; who doubtless, had he lived, would have speedily settled the crown upon David's head. There was also a special providence of God, in taking away Jonathan, (who of all Saul's sons, seems to have been the fairest for the crown) for preventing divisions, which might have happened amongst the people concerning the successor: David's way to the crown being by this means made the more clear. Abinadab - Called also Ishui, Sa1 14:49. Ishbosheth was not here, being possibly at home…”

“31:2 Jonathan . . . Malkishua: See 14:49. This is the first mention of Saul’s son Abinadab (cp. 1 Chr 8:33; 9:39).”

“followed: Sa1 14:22; Sa2 1:6 Jonathan: Sa1 13:2, Sa1 13:16, Sa1 14:1-14, Sa1 14:49, Sa1 18:1-4, Sa1 23:17; Ch1 8:33, Ch1 9:39 Saul's sons: Exo 20:5; Kg2 25:7 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 31:3”