Study Desk

And David sang this death-dirge over Saul, and over his son Jonathan;

and he said to teach the sons of Judah The Song of the Bow. Behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar:

The beauty of Israel is slain on your high places. How are the mighty fallen!

Tell it not in Gath; do not make it known in the streets of Ashkelon, that the daughters of the Philistines not rejoice; that the daughters of the uncircumcised not exult.

Mountains of Gilboa, let not dew or rain be on you, nor fields of offerings; for there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, not being anointed with oil.

From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn the back; and the sword of Saul did not return empty.

Saul and Jonathan! They were beloved and delightful in their lives; and in their death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.

Daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you with scarlet delights, who brought ornaments of gold on your clothing.

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

I am distressed over you, my brother Jonathan. You were very delightful to me; your love was wonderful to me, more than the love of women.

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