2 Samuel 1:19–27

¹⁹The splendor of Israel lies slain on your heights.

How the mighty have fallen!

²⁰Do not tell it in Gath,

don’t announce it in the marketplaces of Ashkelon,

or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, ^q

and the daughters of the uncircumcised will gloat.

²¹Mountains of Gilboa,

let no dew or rain be on you,

or fields of offerings, ^r

for there the shield of the mighty was defiled ^s—

the shield of Saul, no longer anointed with oil. ^t

²²Jonathan’s bow never retreated,

Saul’s sword never returned unstained, ^u

from the blood of the slain,

from the bodies of the mighty.

²³Saul and Jonathan,

loved and delightful,

they were not parted in life or in death.

They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.

²⁴Daughters of Israel, weep for Saul,

who clothed you in scarlet, with luxurious things,

who decked your garments with gold ornaments. ^v

²⁵How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle!

Jonathan lies slain on your heights.

²⁶I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother.

You were such a friend to me.

Your love for me was more wonderful

than the love of women. ^w

²⁷How the mighty have fallen

and the weapons of war have perished!