2 Samuel 1:23

Saul and Jonathan [were] lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

Saul {H7586} and Jonathan {H3083} were lovely {H157} and pleasant {H5273} in their lives {H2416}, and in their death {H4194} they were not divided {H6504}: they were swifter {H7043} than eagles {H5404}, they were stronger {H1396} than lions {H738}.

Sha'ul and Y'honatan, loved and gracious while alive, were not separated even in death; they were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.

Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they were not divided: They were swifter than eagles, They were stronger than lions.

Commentary

2 Samuel 1:23 is a poignant line from David's heartfelt lament, known as "The Song of the Bow," delivered after receiving news of the tragic deaths of King Saul and his beloved son, Jonathan, in the Battle of Gilboa. This verse beautifully captures David's profound respect and sorrow for both men, despite the tumultuous relationship he had with Saul.

Context

Following the devastating defeat of Israel by the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, an Amalekite brings news of Saul and Jonathan's demise to David (2 Samuel 1:1-16). David's immediate response is not one of triumph over his former persecutor, Saul, but rather deep grief. His lament is a testament to his character and his respect for God's anointed king, as well as his intense personal bond with Jonathan, who had shown him unwavering loyalty and friendship (1 Samuel 18:1). This verse specifically highlights their unified qualities and shared fate.

Key Themes

  • Unbreakable Bond: The phrase "lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided" speaks to the remarkable unity between Saul and Jonathan, and perhaps more broadly, David's desire to see them remembered in a positive, unified light. Despite Saul's persecution of David, the lament focuses on their shared qualities and ultimate end together on the battlefield.
  • Heroic Valor: Describing them as "swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions" is a powerful poetic tribute to their military prowess and courage. This hyperbolic language emphasizes their legendary status as warriors, highlighting their speed in battle and their formidable strength against enemies. Such imagery was common in ancient Near Eastern eulogies for fallen heroes.
  • Tragic Loss: The verse underscores the immense sorrow felt over the loss of these two significant figures in Israel. It's a lament for fallen leaders and a reminder of the heavy cost of war, even for those who were once adversaries.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words translated "lovely and pleasant" (na'em and 'arev) convey a sense of delight, agreeableness, and affection. They suggest that, despite their flaws and the conflicts surrounding them, Saul and Jonathan possessed qualities that made them admirable and cherished by their people. The imagery of eagles and lions, iconic symbols of speed and strength respectively, further elevates their heroic stature, painting a vivid picture of their capabilities on the battlefield.

Practical Application

This verse offers insights into how we can remember and honor those who have passed, even when relationships were complex. David's lament models a spirit of forgiveness and appreciation for the positive aspects of individuals, choosing to focus on their virtues in death. It also reminds us of the profound impact of loyalty and friendship, exemplified by the bond between David and Jonathan, which transcended political turmoil and personal danger. The tribute to their valor can inspire us to face challenges with courage and strength, even in the face of adversity, much like these biblical figures.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 4:13

    Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots [shall be] as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.

  • Judges 14:18

    And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, What [is] sweeter than honey? and what [is] stronger than a lion? And he said unto them, If ye had not plowed with my heifer, ye had not found out my riddle.

  • Proverbs 30:30

    A lion [which is] strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

  • 1 Samuel 18:1

    ¶ And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

  • Deuteronomy 28:49

    The LORD shall bring a nation against thee from far, from the end of the earth, [as swift] as the eagle flieth; a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand;

  • Job 9:26

    They are passed away as the swift ships: as the eagle [that] hasteth to the prey.

  • Lamentations 4:19

    Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heaven: they pursued us upon the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.
← Back