Keraia
2 Samuel 1

2 Samuel 1:18

David’s Song for Saul and Jonathan · 2 Samuel 1:17–27
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Translations

Modern
…and he ordered that the sons of Judah be taught the Song of the Bow. It is written in the Book of Jashar:
Traditional
(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)
Literal
…and he told them to teach the sons of Judah “The bow.” Behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar:
Latin
…(et præcepit ut docerent filios Juda arcum, sicut scriptum est in libro justorum), et ait: Considera, Israël, pro his qui mortui sunt, super excelsa tua vulnerati.

Original

Hebrew
English
…and he ordered that the sons of Judah be taught the Song of the Bow. It is written in the Book of Jashar:

Notes

2 Samuel 1:18

The Book of Jashar is an extrabiblical text (not included in the Bible) and is no longer available. It was probably an Israelite epic poem or a collection of poems. These poems likely described important events in Israel’s history, including Joshua’s conquest of Canaan (see Joshua 10:13) and the rise of David as king.

2 Samuel 1:1–27

The forty years of Saul’s reign ended in tragedy. The Philistines struck a devastating blow against his people. They killed Saul’s sons and later mutilated Saul’s body after he took his own life (1 Samuel 31). After these tragic events, the story begins to focus on David and his rise as a leader.

People

Jashar: Ancient Hebrew book mentioned in the Old Testament Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Baanah Book Book of Jashar Book of the Wars of the Lord David Joshua, Book of Mount Gilboa Mourning Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

Archery: Practiced by the Israelites Armies: March in Ranks: Children Instructed in Military Arts Books: Not Extant, but Mentioned in Scripture: Jasher Bow: A Weapon: David Instructed the Israelites in the Use of, by Writing a War Song To David: King of Israel: Lamentation Over Saul Friendship: David and Jonathan Jonathan: Son of Saul: Mourned by David Military Instruction of Children Mourning: David's Lamentations Over: The Death of Saul and his Sons The Bow: The Jews Taught to Use