David'S Lament

11Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and so did all the men who were with him.

12They mourned, wept, and fasted until evening for Saul, for Jonathan his son, for the people of Yahweh, and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

13David said to the young man who told him, “Where are you from?” And he said, “I am the son of an Amalekite sojourner.”

14Then David said to him, “How were you not afraid to put out your hand to destroy Yahweh’s anointed?”

15Then David called one of the young men and said, “Come near; strike him down.” So he struck him, and he died.

16Then David said to him, “Your blood is on your own head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I myself killed Yahweh’s anointed.’”

17Then David sang this lament over Saul and over Jonathan his son,

18and said that the sons of Judah should be taught “The Bow.” Behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar:

19Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights! How the mighty have fallen!

20Do not tell it in Gath; do not proclaim the news in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised exult.

21Mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor fields of offerings; for there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, not anointed with oil.

22From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, Jonathan’s bow did not turn back, and Saul’s sword did not return empty.

23Saul and Jonathan, beloved and pleasant in their lives, were not parted in their death; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

24Daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet with luxuries, who put ornaments of gold on your clothing.

25How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.

26I am distressed over you, my brother Jonathan; you were very pleasant to me. Your love to me was wonderful, surpassing the love of women.

27How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war have perished!