2 Samuel 1:19–27

¹⁹‘The Roebuck, O Israel, On thy high places is wounded; How have the mighty fallen! ²⁰Declare 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! ²¹Mountains 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. ²²From 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. ²³Saul 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! ²⁴Daughters of Israel! for Saul weep ye, Who is clothing you in scarlet with delights. Who is lifting up ornaments of gold on your clothing. ²⁵How have the mighty fallen In the midst of the battle! Jonathan! on thy high places wounded! ²⁶I 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! ²⁷How have the mighty fallen, Yea, the weapons of war perish!’

Chapter 2