2 Samuel 1:23

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

Translations

Modern
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.
Traditional
Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
Literal
Saul and Jonathan were beloved and delightful in their lives, and in their death they were not divided. Than eagles they were swifter, than lions they were stronger.
Latin
Saul et Jonathas amabiles, et decori in vita sua, in morte quoque non sunt divisi: aquilis velociores, leonibus fortiores.

Original

Hebrew
English
Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles; they were stronger than lions.

Notes

beloved and delightful … not divided in death: The relationship between Saul and Jonathan was often strained. This was especially true because of Saul’s treatment of David (see 1 Samuel 20:30–33). Even so, Jonathan fought alongside his father and died with him while defending Israel against the Philistines.

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

Jonathan: Eldest son of King Saul and friend of David Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel

Glossary

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

Topics

David: King of Israel: Lamentation Over Saul Death: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To 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 The Eagle: Swift The Lion of Brave Men