David’s Song for Saul and Jonathan

Then David took up this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan, 18 and he ordered that the sons of Judah be taught [the Song of] the Bow.[fn] It is written in the Book of Jashar:[fn]

19 

“ Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights.

How the mighty have fallen!

20 

Tell [it] not in Gath;

proclaim [it] not in the streets of Ashkelon,

lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice,

and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.

21 

O mountains of Gilboa,

may you have no dew or rain,

no fields [yielding] offerings [of grain].[fn]

For there the shield of the mighty was defiled,

the shield of Saul, no longer anointed with oil.

22 

From the blood of the slain,

from the fat of the mighty,

the bow of Jonathan did not retreat

and the sword of Saul did not return empty.

23 

Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life,

were not divided in death.

They were swifter than eagles;

they were stronger than lions.

24 

O daughters of Israel,

weep for Saul,

who clothed you in scarlet and luxury,

who decked your garments with ornaments of gold.

25 

How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle!

Jonathan lies slain on your heights.

26 

I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother.

You were delightful to me

your love to me was extraordinary,

surpassing the love of women.

27 

How the mighty have fallen,

and the weapons of war have perished!” 2