David Learns of the Deaths of Saul and Jonathan

1After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, he stayed at Ziklag for two days. 2On the third day a man arrived from the camp of Saul with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. When he approached David, the man threw himself to the ground.

3David asked him, “Where are you coming from?” He replied, “I have escaped from the camp of Israel.” 4David inquired, “How were things going? Tell me!” He replied, “The people fled from the battle and many of them fell dead. Even Saul and his son Jonathan are dead!” 5David said to the young man who was telling him this, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” 6The young man who was telling him this said, “I just happened to be on Mount Gilboa and came across Saul leaning on his spear for support. The chariots and leaders of the horsemen were in hot pursuit of him. 7When he turned around and saw me, he called out to me. I answered, ‘Here I am!’ 8He asked me, ‘Who are you?’ I told him, ‘I’m an Amalekite.’ 9He said to me, ‘Stand over me and finish me off! I’m very dizzy, even though I’m still alive.’ 10So I stood over him and put him to death, since I knew that he couldn’t live in such a condition. Then I took the crown which was on his head and the bracelet which was on his arm. I have brought them here to my lord.”

11David then grabbed his own clothes and tore them, as did all the men who were with him. 12They lamented and wept and fasted until evening because Saul, his son Jonathan, the Lord’s people, and the house of Israel had fallen by the sword.

13David said to the young man who told this to him, “Where are you from?” He replied, “I am an Amalekite, the son of a resident foreigner.” 14David replied to him, “How is it that you were not afraid to reach out your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” 15Then David called one of the soldiers and said, “Come here and strike him down!” So he struck him down, and he died. 16David said to him, “Your blood be on your own head! Your own mouth has testified against you, saying ‘I have put the Lord’s anointed to death.’”

David’s Tribute to Saul and Jonathan

17Then David chanted this lament over Saul and his son Jonathan. 18(He gave instructions that the people of Judah should be taught “The Bow.” Indeed, it is written down in the Book of Yashar.)

19The beauty of Israel lies slain on your high places!

How the mighty have fallen!

20Don’t report it in Gath,

don’t spread the news in the streets of Ashkelon,

or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice,

the daughters of the uncircumcised will celebrate!

21O mountains of Gilboa,

may there be no dew or rain on you, nor fields of grain offerings!

For it was there that the shield of warriors was defiled;

the shield of Saul lies neglected without oil.

22From the blood of the slain, from the fat of warriors,

the bow of Jonathan was not turned away.

The sword of Saul never returned empty.

23Saul and Jonathan were greatly loved during their lives,

and not even in their deaths were they separated.

They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions.

24O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,

who clothed you in scarlet as well as jewelry,

who put gold jewelry on your clothes.

25How the warriors have fallen

in the midst of battle!

Jonathan lies slain on your high places!

26I grieve over you, my brother Jonathan!

You were very dear to me.

Your love was more special to me than the love of women.

27How the warriors have fallen!

The weapons of war are destroyed!