17 And David lamenteth with this lamentation over Saul, and over Jonathan his son; 18 and he saith to teach the sons of Judah 'The Bow;' lo, it is written on the book of the Upright:— 19 'The Roebuck, O Israel, On thy high places 'is' wounded; How have the mighty fallen! 20 Declare 'it' not in Gath, Proclaim not the tidings in the streets of Ashkelon, Lest they rejoice—The daughters of the Philistines, Lest they exult—The daughters of the Uncircumcised! 21 Mountains of Gilboa! No dew nor rain be on you, And fields of heave-offerings! For there hath become loathsome The shield of the mighty, The shield of Saul—without the anointed with oil. 22 From the blood of the wounded, From the fat of the mighty, The bow of Jonathan Hath not turned backward; And the sword of Saul doth not return empty. 23 Saul and Jonathan! They are loved and pleasant in their lives, And in their death they have not been parted. Than eagles they have been lighter, Than lions they have been mightier! 24 Daughters of Israel! for Saul weep ye, Who is clothing you 'in' scarlet with delights. Who is lifting up ornaments of gold on your clothing. 25 How have the mighty fallen In the midst of the battle! Jonathan! on thy high places wounded! 26 I am in distress for thee, my brother Jonathan, Very pleasant wast thou to me; Wonderful was thy love to me, Above the love of women! 27 How have the mighty fallen, Yea, the weapons of war perish!'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:17-27
Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:17-27
(Read 2 Samuel 1:17-27)
Kasheth, or "the bow," probably was the title of this mournful, funeral song. David does not commend Saul for what he was not; and says nothing of his piety or goodness. Jonathan was a dutiful son, Saul an affectionate father, therefore dear to each other. David had reason to say, that Jonathan's love to him was wonderful. Next to the love between Christ and his people, that affection which springs form it, produces the strongest friendship. The trouble of the Lord's people, and triumphs of his enemies, will always grieve true believers, whatever advantages they may obtain by them.