David’s Lament Over Saul and Jonathan (The Song of the Bow)

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David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son

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(and he commanded them to teach the children of Judah the song of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jashar):

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“Your glory, Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen!

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Don’t tell it in Gath. Don’t publish it in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

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You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain on you, neither fields of offerings; For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away, The shield of Saul was not anointed with oil.

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From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, Jonathan’s bow didn’t turn back. Saul’s sword didn’t return empty.

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

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You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet delicately, who put ornaments of gold on your clothing.

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How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan is slain on your high places.

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I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan. You have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.

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How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!”

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