Malchi-shua was one of the sons of King Saul, the first king of Israel. His name, which means "my king is salvation," reflects the theocratic ideals of Israelite monarchy, where the king was seen as God's appointed leader. Malchi-shua is mentioned in the context of the tragic battle at Mount Gilboa, where he fought alongside his father, Saul, and his brothers against the Philistines. The account of this battle is found in 1 Samuel 31:2-6 : "The Philistines pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul." This battle marked a significant turning point in Israel's history, leading to the end of Saul's reign and the rise of David as king. Malchi-shua's death, along with that of his brothers, signified the collapse of Saul's dynasty, fulfilling the prophetic words spoken by Samuel regarding Saul's disobedience to God.

Abinadab

Abinadab is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, referring to different individuals. One notable Abinadab was the son of King Saul, who perished alongside his father and brothers in the battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa, as recorded in 1 Samuel 31:2 : "The Philistines pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul." This Abinadab's death was part of the divine judgment against Saul's house due to Saul's failure to fully obey God's commands.

Another Abinadab is mentioned in the context of the Ark of the Covenant. This Abinadab was a Levite who lived in Kiriath-jearim, and the Ark was kept at his house for twenty years after being returned by the Philistines, as described in 1 Samuel 7:1-2. His son Eleazar was consecrated to guard the Ark during this period. This Abinadab's home became a temporary sanctuary for the Ark until King David eventually moved it to Jerusalem.

Esh-baal

Esh-baal, also known as Ish-bosheth, was a son of King Saul and became king over Israel after Saul's death. His name, meaning "man of Baal," reflects the syncretistic tendencies in Israel during that period, where Baal was sometimes used as a generic term for "lord" or "master." Esh-baal's reign is detailed in 2 Samuel 2-4. After Saul's death, Abner, the commander of Saul's army, made Esh-baal king over Israel, except for the tribe of Judah, which followed David. His reign was marked by conflict and instability, as he struggled to maintain control over the northern tribes while David's influence grew stronger.

Esh-baal's rule ended in tragedy when he was assassinated by two of his own captains, Rechab and Baanah, who sought to gain favor with David. However, David condemned their treachery and had them executed, as recorded in 2 Samuel 4:5-12. Esh-baal's death paved the way for David to become king over all Israel, uniting the tribes and establishing Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of the nation. His account serves as a reminder of the tumultuous period of transition from the rule of judges to the establishment of the Davidic monarchy, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the sovereignty of God's plan for His people.