2 Samuel 1:19

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

Translations

Modern
“Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen!
Traditional
The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!
Literal
“The beauty, O Israel, on your high places is slain. How the mighty have fallen!
Latin
Inclyti Israël super montes tuos interfecti sunt: quomodo ceciderunt fortes?

Original

Hebrew
English
“Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen!

Notes

Your glory: David’s description focused more on Saul’s royal position than on his personal characteristics.

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

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Baanah Bamah Book of Jashar David Mount Gilboa Mourning Poetry, Biblical Psalms, Book of Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

David: King of Israel: Lamentation Over Saul Elegy: David's, on Saul and Jonathan Friendship: David and Jonathan Jonathan: Son of Saul: Mourned by David Mourning: David's Lamentations Over: The Death of Saul and his Sons Poetry: Elegy: Upon the Death of Saul Song: War