17 David sang a sad song about Saul and his son Jonathan.
18 David told his men to teach the song to the people of Judah. This song is called “The Bow,” and it is written in the Book of Jashar.
19 “Israel, your beauty was ruined on your hills. Oh, how those heroes fell!
20 Don’t tell the news in Gath. Don’t announce it in the streets of Ashkelon. Those Philistine cities would be happy! Those foreigners would be glad.
21 “May no rain or dew fall on you, mountains of Gilboa. May there be no offerings coming from your fields. The shields of the heroes rusted there. Saul’s shield was not rubbed with oil.
22 Jonathan’s bow killed its share of enemies, and Saul’s sword killed its share! They have spilled the blood of men now dead. They cut into the fat of strong men.
23 “Saul and Jonathan—how dear they were to us! In life they loved being together, and even death did not separate them! They were faster than eagles and stronger than lions.