23 Heb “be taught the bow.” The reference to “the bow” is very difficult here. Some interpreters (e.g., S. R. Driver, P. K. McCarter, Jr.) suggest deleting the word from the text (cf. , ), but there does not seem to be sufficient evidence for doing so. Others (cf. ) understand the reference to be elliptical, meaning “the use of the bow.” The verse would then imply that with the deaths of Saul and Jonathan having occurred, a period of trying warfare is about to begin, requiring adequate preparation for war on the part of the younger generation. Various other views may also be found in the secondary literature. However, it seems best to understand the word here to be a reference to the name of a song (i.e., “The Bow”), most likely the poem that follows in vv. 19–27 (cf. , , , , ); “this lament of the bow.” To make this clear the words “the song of” are supplied in the translation.
24 The Book of Yashar is a noncanonical writing no longer in existence. It is referred to here and in Josh 10:12–13 and 1 Kgs 8:12–13. It apparently was “a collection of ancient national poetry” (so 449 יָשָׁר).

In other versions

and he said it should be taught to the people of Judah; behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar. He said:

and he ordered that the people of Judah be taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of Jashar):

and he ordered that the Judahites be taught The Song of the Bow. It is written in the Book of Jashar:

and he commanded that it be taught to the people of Judah. It is known as the Song of the Bow, and it is recorded in The Book of Jashar.

And he ordered “The Bow” to be taught to the children of Judah. Look, it is written on the scroll of Jashar.

(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)

Public Domain