Translations
Modern
How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.
Traditional
How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.
Literal
How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan was slain on your high places.
Latin
Quomodo ceciderunt fortes in prælio? Jonathas in excelsis tuis occisus est?
Original
Hebrew
English
How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.
Notes
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.
Theme notes and profiles
People
Jonathan: Eldest son of King Saul and friend of David
Glossary
Baanah Bamah Book of Jashar David 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