David's song to remember Saul and Jonathan
17 David sang this song to remember the death of Saul and his son Jonathan. 18 He said that the people in Judah should learn this song. Its name is ‘The Bow’. It is written down in the Book of Jashar.
19 ‘The greatest men of Israel now lie on the mountains.
They are dead!
Those brave men have fallen to the ground!
20 Do not tell the people in Gath about it.
Do not tell the news in the streets of Ashkelon.
If you do, the daughters of the Philistines will sing with joy.
1:20Philistines came from a country near Israel called Philistia. They were a nation of people who were powerful enemies of Israel. They lived beside the sea on the west side of Israel.
Yes, those foreign people who do not worship God will be happy.
21 You mountains of Gilboa, may there be no rain or dew on you now.
May no crops grow in your fields to make grain offerings.
In those fields, the shields of brave soldiers became useless.
No longer will anyone clean Saul's shield with oil.
1:21The Israelites made shields from leather and wood. They rubbed oil into the leather to make it strong.
22 When Jonathan shot arrows from his bow,
his enemies fell to the ground, dead.
Saul's sword also cut down his enemies.
He never failed to kill them.
23 People loved Saul and Jonathan as great people while they lived.
They were still together when they died.
They moved faster than eagles.
They were stronger than lions.
24 You women of Israel, weep for Saul.
He gave you beautiful clothes to wear.
He gave you gold and jewels to fix on your clothes.
25 Brave soldiers have died
as they fought a great battle!
Jonathan's dead body lies on Gilboa's hills.
26 My brother, Jonathan! I am very sad about your death.
You were my good friend.
Your love for me was very special.
It was better than the love of women.
27 The brave men have fallen in the battle!
Their weapons are now useless.’
