David's Lament over Saul and Jonathan

17 David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son 18 (and he bade them teach the children of Judah the song of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jashar): 19 “Your glory, Israel, is slain on your high places!
How the mighty have fallen! 20 Don’t tell it in Gath.
Don’t publish it in the streets of Ashkelon,
lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice,
lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. 21 You mountains of Gilboa,
let there be no dew nor rain on you, neither fields of offerings;
For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away,
The shield of Saul was not anointed with oil. 22 From the blood of the slain,
from the fat of the mighty,
Jonathan’s bow didn’t turn back.
Saul’s sword didn’t return empty. 23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives.
In their death, they were not divided.
They were swifter than eagles.
They were stronger than lions. 24 You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
who clothed you in scarlet delicately,
who put ornaments of gold on your clothing. 25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle!
Jonathan is slain on your high places. 26 I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan.
You have been very pleasant to me.
Your love to me was wonderful,
passing the love of women. 27 How are the mighty fallen,
and the weapons of war perished!”

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:17-27

Commentary on 2 Samuel 1:17-27

(Read 2 Samuel 1:17-27)

Kasheth, or "the bow," probably was the title of this mournful, funeral song. David does not commend Saul for what he was not; and says nothing of his piety or goodness. Jonathan was a dutiful son, Saul an affectionate father, therefore dear to each other. David had reason to say, that Jonathan's love to him was wonderful. Next to the love between Christ and his people, that affection which springs form it, produces the strongest friendship. The trouble of the Lord's people, and triumphs of his enemies, will always grieve true believers, whatever advantages they may obtain by them.