MPV Commentary

David Buries the Bones of Saul and Jonathan in Their Father's Sepulcher.

12 David went to retrieve the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan, along with the bones of those who had been hanged. Before long, a series of heavy rains likely led to an order from the king, allowing Rizpah to release the corpses from their exposed state. Inspired by her example, David ordered that the remains of Saul and his sons be transferred from their humble grave in Jabesh-gilead to a more dignified burial site within the family vault at Zelah or Zelzah (1 Samuel 10:2), now known as Beit-jala.

15-22 The Philistines continued to wage war against Israel, despite having been defeated by David's army. However, when they encountered giant warriors among their ranks, it stirred them up to launch further attacks on Hebrew territory. During this period, the Philistines provoked four successive conflicts with Israel during the latter part of David's reign. In one of these battles, King David faced such a great risk that he was no longer allowed to engage in combat.