This marks the end of a key stage of proceedings with Saul's death, so the king "after God's own heart" can take over.
The Philistines attached Israel, going after Saul and his family, believing that if they killed the leader then the nation would collapse. Saul's sons were all killed, including Jonathan. Now, remember that Jonathan was a good man, who trusted God and acted honourably towards David, yet he still died. Sometimes bad things happen to good people.
Saul knew his end was near and told his armour bearer to kill him, preferring to die at the hand of an Israeli rather than a Philistine. The armour bearer refused, so Saul fell on his own sword.
Israel saw what had happened and they all fled.
The Philistines considered this a great victory, and put Saul's armour on display in their temple.
The men of Jabesh Gilead sought to restore some honour to Saul, remembering how Saul had saved them.
So the Philistines think they have won, but in reality it marked the beginning of the end for them. There is a parallel here with death of Jesus. Many thought they had won that day, but in reality it was Jesus who had won.
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