David sang a song in memory of Saul and Jonathan, and he ordered his men to teach the song to everyone in Judah. He called it “The Song of the Bow”, and it can be found in The Book of Jashar . This is the song:
Israel, your famous hero
lies dead on the hills,
and your mighty warriors
have fallen!
Don't tell it in Gath
or spread the news
in the streets of Ashkelon.
The godless Philistine women
will be happy
and jump for joy.
Don't let dew or rain fall
on the hills of Gilboa.
Don't let its fields
grow offerings for God.
There the warriors' shields
were smeared with mud,
and Saul's own shield
was left unpolished.
The arrows of Jonathan struck,
and warriors died.
The sword of Saul cut
the enemy apart.
It was easy to love Saul
and Jonathan.
Together in life,
together in death,
they were faster than eagles
and stronger than lions.
Women of Israel, cry for Saul.
He brought you fine red cloth
and jewellery made of gold.
Our warriors have fallen
in the heat of battle,
and Jonathan lies dead
on the hills of Gilboa.
Jonathan, I miss you most!
I loved you
like a brother.
You were truly loyal to me,
more faithful than a wife
to her husband.
Our warriors have fallen,
and their weapons
are destroyed.