Malchi-shua מַלְכִּישׁוּעַ
Son of King Saul, killed in battle against the Philistines.
Who is Malchi-shua in the Bible?
Malchi-shua was a son of King Saul, the first king of Israel, and a brother to Jonathan, Abinadab, and Ishvi (1 Samuel 14:49). He died fighting against the Philistines in a decisive battle on Mount Gilboa, where the Israelite forces were overwhelmed (1 Samuel 31:2; 1 Chronicles 10:2). According to the biblical account, Malchi-shua was killed alongside his brothers Jonathan and Abinadab during this same battle, after which King Saul took his own life rather than be captured. His death marked a tragic turning point in Israel's early monarchy, as the loss of the king and his sons demonstrated the vulnerability of Saul's rule and paved the way for David's rise to power.
Biography
Malchi-shua was one of the sons of King Saul, the first king of Israel. He was a brother of Jonathan, Abinadab, and Ishvi. Malchi-shua fought alongside his father and brothers in the battles against the Philistines. In a fierce battle on Mount Gilboa, the Philistines overwhelmed the Israelite army. Malchi-shua, along with his brothers Jonathan and Abinadab, was killed in the battle. King Saul, upon seeing his sons dead and facing imminent capture, took his own life by falling on his sword (1Sa.14.49; 31.2; 1Ch.8.33; 9.39; 10.2).
Family
Parents
Siblings
- Jonathan Tribe of JudahSon of JadaSon of Jada, descendant of JudahView full profile →
- Abinadab MaleFather of Ben-abinadabSolomon's son-in-law, an official in his governmentView full profile →
- Merab Tribe of BenjaminSaul's daughterEldest daughter of King Saul.View full profile →
- Michal Tribe of BenjaminSaul's daughterDaughter of Saul; wife of David.View full profile →
- Ish-bosheth Tribe of BenjaminSaul's sonSon of Saul, king over Israel.View full profile →
- Armoni Tribe of BenjaminSaul's familySon of Saul by Rizpah, killed by GibeonitesView full profile →
- Mephibosheth Tribe of BenjaminSon of SaulSon of Saul and Rizpah, given to the Gibeonites.View full profile →
In Scripture
2 biblical books1 Samuel 2 verses
- 1 Samuel 14:49
"Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. His two daughters were named Merab (his firstborn) and Michal (his younger daughter)."
- 1 Samuel 31:2
"The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua."
1 Chronicles 3 verses
- 1 Chronicles 8:33
"Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal."
- 1 Chronicles 9:39
"Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal."
- 1 Chronicles 10:2
"The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מַלְכִּישׁוּעַ |