David's Lament for Saul and Jonathan
2 Samuel 1:17-27
2 S.1.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקנן: VERB,piel,perf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הקינה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הזאת: DEM,f,sg,def
- על: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- יהונתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 1:18-27 (structural): The immediate continuation: the full text of David's lament (the 'song of the bow') introduced by v.17. This is the direct composition that v.17 announces.
- 1 Samuel 31:11-13 (thematic): An alternative/traditional report of Saul and Jonathan's death and the burial at Jabesh‑Gilead; provides the background events that prompt mourning and are reflected in David's lament.
- 1 Chronicles 10:12-14 (allusion): Chronicles retells Saul's death and its consequences, echoing themes of judgment and national mourning that David's lament addresses.
- 2 Samuel 3:31-33 (thematic): David's public lament for Abner follows a similar rhetorical pattern—formal mourning, exaltation of the slain, and communal lamentation—paralleling the form and purpose of the lament over Saul and Jonathan.
Alternative generated candidates
- David composed this lamentation for Saul and for Jonathan his son.
- David composed this lament for Saul and for Jonathan his son.
2 S.1.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ללמד: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- קשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הנה: PART
- כתובה: ADJ,ptcp,qal,f,sg
- על: PREP
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הישר: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Joshua 10:13 (quotation): Explicitly cites the same source — 'Is not this written in the Book of Jasher?' — the parallel phrase 'written in the Book of Jasher' is used to anchor a historical/poetic record.
- Psalm 78:4-6 (thematic): Speaks of teaching the next generation the mighty works of God so 'they should set their hope in God' — parallels the injunction to 'teach the children of Judah' and transmit a memorial/lesson.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (thematic): Commands parents to teach God's words to their children repeatedly — provides the legal/theological background for imperatives to instruct children, echoing the pedagogical intent of 2 Sam 1:18.
- 1 Chronicles 29:29 (verbal): Refers to events being 'written in the book' (of the chronicle/prophets) — parallels the practice of preserving events in written records, comparable to the phrase 'written in the Book of Jasher.'
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, "Teach the sons of Judah the bow; behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar."
- He commanded, "Teach it to the people of Judah; behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar."
2 S.1.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הצבי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- במותיך: NOUN,f,pl,cons+2fs
- חלל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איך: ADV
- נפלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- גבורים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 1:25 (verbal): The same lament line (“How are the mighty fallen”) is repeated later in David’s elegy, echoing the phrase and theme verbatim.
- 2 Samuel 1:27 (verbal): Another recurrence of the exact refrain “How are the mighty fallen,” reinforcing the elegiac refrain within the Song of the Bow.
- 1 Samuel 31:8-13 (structural): Narrative account of Saul and his sons slain on Mount Gilboa — the historical event that David’s lament (including v.19) responds to.
- 1 Chronicles 10:12-14 (thematic): Parallel account of Saul’s death and its theological interpretation; provides an alternative historical/interpretive context for mourning Saul’s fall.
- 2 Samuel 3:33-34 (thematic): David’s formal lamentation for Abner illustrates the royal mode of public mourning and parallels the ritualized elegy form used in the Song of the Bow.
Alternative generated candidates
- The glory of Israel lies slain on your heights; how the mighty have fallen!
- The beauty of Israel lies slain on your heights; how the mighty have fallen!
2 S.1.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תגידו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- בגת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- תבשרו: VERB,qal,impf,2,pl
- בחוצת: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אשקלון: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- פן: CONJ
- תשמחנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- בנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- פן: CONJ
- תעלזנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- בנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הערלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 1 Sam.31:10-13 (structural): Parallel account of Saul’s death and the Philistine treatment of his body; shares the same historical context and the reason for mourning rather than proclaiming the news in Philistine towns.
- 2 Sam.1:17-27 (structural): The larger lament (the 'Song of the Bow') in which v.20 appears; provides the full poetic context and explains why David forbids rejoicing in Philistine cities.
- 2 Sam.1:21 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the lament invoking Gilboa’s curse — reinforces the motive behind preventing Philistine celebration and echoes the same poetic imagery.
- 1 Chr.10:11-14 (thematic): Chronicles’ account of Saul’s death and its theological interpretation; thematically parallels Samuel’s narrative and the call to lament rather than to let Israel’s enemies rejoice.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not tell it in Gath; do not proclaim it in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines be glad, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice.
- Do not tell it in Gath; do not proclaim it in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.
2 S.1.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הרי: NOUN,m,pl,con
- בגלבע: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- טל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- מטר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עליכם: PREP+PRON,2mp
- ושדי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,con
- תרומת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- כי: CONJ
- שם: ADV
- נגעל: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- מגן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גבורים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מגן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בלי: PREP
- משיח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בשמן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 1:19-27 (structural): This verse is part of David’s lament over Saul and Jonathan (the ‘Song of the Bow’); the surrounding lines repeat and amplify the same mourning motif (Gilboa, the spoil of the mighty, praise of Jonathan).
- 1 Samuel 31:8-13 (allusion): Narrative account of Saul and Jonathan’s death on Mount Gilboa and the dishonoring of their bodies by the Philistines — the historical event to which the lament (including the curse on Gilboa) refers.
- 1 Chronicles 10:12-14 (verbal): Parallel summary of Saul’s death that echoes language and theological interpretation (God’s rejection of Saul, mention of his shield and the calamity at Gilboa), closely matching the motifs of 2 Samuel’s lament.
- 2 Samuel 21:12-14 (thematic): Later episode in which the bones of Saul and Jonathan are recovered and given burial — thematically linked to the lament’s concern for honor and proper burial of the fallen king and his son.
Alternative generated candidates
- O mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew and no rain upon you, and no fields of choice; for there the shield of the mighty was defiled—the shield of Saul, bereft of anointing oil.
- Mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain upon you, nor fields of offerings; for there the shield of the mighty was tainted—the shield of Saul, unanointed with oil.
2 S.1.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מדם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חללים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מחלב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גבורים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- קשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהונתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- נשוג: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- אחור: ADV
- וחרב: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תשוב: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- ריקם: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 31:4-6 (structural): Parallel narrative of Saul's death and the deaths of his sons (including Jonathan); provides the historical context that David laments here and explains why Saul's sword 'did not return empty.'
- 1 Chronicles 10:4-6 (structural): Chronicle's retelling of the same events as 1 Samuel 31, repeating the account of Saul's wounding and death and the fate of his sons, corroborating the lament's claims about Saul's sword and Jonathan's end.
- 1 Samuel 14:6-14 (thematic): Narrates Jonathan's bold assault against the Philistines and his success with a small force—this episode thematically echoes the line that 'the bow of Jonathan did not turn back,' highlighting Jonathan's martial prowess and decisive strike.
- Psalm 144:1 (verbal): Uses similar military/bow imagery ('who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle... to bend a bow'), echoing the motif of a warrior's effective weapon that does not 'return empty' and reinforcing the praise of martial skill found in the lament.
Alternative generated candidates
- From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty—Jonathan's bow turned not back, and Saul's sword returned not empty.
- From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the heroes, Jonathan's bow did not turn back, and Saul's sword returned not empty.
2 S.1.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהונתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנאהבים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- והנעימם: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl,def
- בחייהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- ובמותם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- לא: PART_NEG
- נפרדו: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,pl
- מנשרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- קלו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- מאריות: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- גברו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:1 (verbal): Jonathan's attachment to David ('the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David') parallels the description of Jonathan as 'beloved' and underscores their close affection in life.
- 1 Samuel 20:17 (thematic): Jonathan's covenant with David and their mutual oath ('Jonathan made a covenant with David... because he loved him as his own soul') echoes the theme of devoted friendship reflected in 'beloved... in their lives.'
- 1 Samuel 31:2-6 (structural): The account of Saul and Jonathan's deaths on Mount Gilboa supplies the historical context for the lament's claim that they were not divided even in death and for the portrayal of their heroic fall.
- 2 Samuel 1:25-27 (verbal): The surrounding lines of David's elegy ('How are the mighty fallen...' and 'I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan') continue and amplify the same motifs of belovedness, beauty, and heroic strength found in 1:23.
- 1 Chronicles 10:12-14 (allusion): The chronicler's retelling of Saul's death and its theological interpretation echoes the 'mighty fallen' motif and provides a parallel reflection on Saul's end that complements David's lament.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul and Jonathan—beloved and delightful in their lives; in their deaths they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
- Saul and Jonathan—beloved and pleasant; in life they were not divided, in death they were not separated; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
2 S.1.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכינה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- המלבשכם: VERB,piel,ptc,3,m,sg+obj:2,m,pl
- שני: NUM,m,pl,construct
- עם: PREP
- עדנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- המעלה: VERB,hiphil,ptcp,3,m,sg
- עדי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- לבושכן: NOUN,m,sg,abs+poss:2,f,pl
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 31:10-13 (structural): Account of Saul's death and the mourning/handling of his body (Jabesh‑Gilead's retrieval and burial) — parallels the context of lament and public expressions of grief for Saul.
- 1 Samuel 18:6-7 (thematic): The women's song contrasting Saul's thousands with David's ten thousands explains the popular honor and later rivalry that set the stage for Saul's downfall and the public lament over him.
- Isaiah 3:16-24 (verbal): Imagery of the 'daughters of Zion' and their ornaments (necklaces, bracelets, head‑tire, earrings) parallels the language of women, adornment and public display used in 2 Sam 1:24.
- Ezekiel 16:11-14 (allusion): God's depiction of adorning Jerusalem with garments and jewelry echoes the motif of a leader/cloak conferring honor and adornment on the people, similar to Saul 'clothing' Israel's daughters with gold.
- Song of Solomon 1:10-11 (verbal): Praises of beauty with 'ornaments' and a 'chain of gold' reflect the same vocabulary of adornment and royal/festive decoration found in 2 Samuel 1:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- Daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in crimson and adorned your garments with gold ornaments.
- Daughters of Israel, mourn for Saul, who clothed you in crimson and set ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
2 S.1.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- איך: ADV
- נפלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- גברים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בתוך: PREP
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- יהונתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- במותיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs+2,m,sg
- חלל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 31:2 (structural): Reports Jonathan’s death (he and his armor-bearer fell), giving the immediate historical fact mourned in David’s lament.
- 1 Samuel 31:4–7 (structural): Narrates the deaths of Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa and the aftermath—background for the lament’s mourning of the mighty fallen.
- 2 Samuel 1:17–27 (verbal): The full elegy (the 'Song of the Bow') of which v.25 is part; several lines (including 'How the mighty have fallen') recur or are expanded elsewhere in the poem.
- 1 Chronicles 10:12–14 (thematic): Parallel account/reflection on Saul’s death that echoes the fall of Israel’s leaders and gives theological interpretation of the event.
Alternative generated candidates
- How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain upon your heights.
- How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.
2 S.1.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- צר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- יהונתן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נעמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מאד: ADV
- נפלאתה: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3fs
- אהבתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2ms
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מאהבת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נשים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:1 (verbal): Describes the initial bond: "the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David," providing the origin of the deep affection David later laments.
- 1 Samuel 20:17 (verbal): Jonathan makes a covenant with David "because he loved him as his own soul," language that parallels David’s claim that Jonathan’s love exceeded that of women.
- 1 Samuel 20:41-42 (structural): The tearful farewell and covenant-confirming embrace between Jonathan and David exemplify the intimacy and loyal friendship recalled in David’s elegy.
- Proverbs 18:24 (thematic): "A friend who sticks closer than a brother" echoes the theme of friendship surpassing ordinary familial or romantic ties expressed in the lament.
- John 15:13 (thematic): "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" resonates with the sacrificial, exceptional quality of the love David attributes to Jonathan.
Alternative generated candidates
- I grieve for you, my brother Jonathan; pleasant to me were you beyond measure. Your love to me was wondrous—more delightful than the love of women.
- I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; you were very pleasant to me—your love to me was wondrous, surpassing the love of women.
2 S.1.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- איך: ADV
- נפלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- גבורים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויאבדו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- כלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 31:8-13 (structural): Narrative account of Saul's and his sons' deaths and the treatment of their bodies and arms by the Philistines—provides the historical setting for David’s lament and parallels the image of fallen warriors and lost weapons.
- 1 Chronicles 10:12-14 (structural): Chronicles’ retelling of Saul’s death; parallels the Samuel account and emphasizes defeat and the collapse of royal/military strength that David laments.
- 2 Samuel 3:33-34 (thematic): David’s formal lament over Abner; another elegy for a fallen leader that parallels the tone, purpose, and public expression of grief found in the Song of the Bow.
- 2 Samuel 18:31-33 (thematic): David’s lament for Absalom; a personal and public mourning that mirrors the lamentation motifs (grief for the fallen, expression of loss) present in 2 Samuel 1:27.
Alternative generated candidates
- How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war have perished.
- How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war lie ruined!
David composed this lamentation for Saul and for his son Jonathan.
He said, Teach the men of Judah the Song of the Bow; behold, it is written in the Book of Jasher.
The glory of Israel lies slain upon your heights; how the mighty have fallen!
Do not tell it in Gath; do not publish it in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines be glad, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised rejoice.
O mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew and no rain upon you, nor fields of choice produce; for there the shield of the mighty was defiled—the shield of Saul, not anointed with oil.
From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty—the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely in their lives, and in their deaths they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in crimson and put ornaments of gold on your apparel.
How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain upon your heights.
I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant were you to me. Your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.
How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished.