2 Samuel 1:18 kjv

(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)

2 Samuel 1:18 nkjv

and he told them to teach the children of Judah the Song of the Bow; indeed it is written in the Book of Jasher:

2 Samuel 1:18 niv

and he ordered that the people of Judah be taught this lament of the bow (it is written in the Book of Jashar):

2 Samuel 1:18 esv

and he said it should be taught to the people of Judah; behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar. He said:

2 Samuel 1:18 nlt

and he commanded that it be taught to the people of Judah. It is known as the Song of the Bow, and it is recorded in The Book of Jashar.

2 Samuel 1 verses

2 Samuel 1 18 Meaning

Immediately following the news of Saul's and Jonathan's deaths, David commanded that a specific lament, titled "the Song of the Bow," be taught to the people of Judah. This song served as a public dirge, honoring the fallen King Saul and his son Jonathan, thereby preserving their memory and acknowledging their heroic contributions, particularly Jonathan's skill with the bow, in the nation's historical record. The verse also notes that this lament was recorded in the "Book of Jashar," an ancient Israelite historical or poetic collection.

2 Samuel 1 18 Context

This verse immediately follows David's profound grief upon hearing the news of Saul's and Jonathan's deaths on Mount Gilboa. His initial reaction (2 Sam 1:11-12) is traditional mourning. Verse 18 is David's active, public response, indicating his statesmanship even in deep sorrow. It precedes the actual "Song of the Bow," which occupies the rest of the chapter (2 Sam 1:19-27). This action by David is crucial in portraying his character as one who respects God's anointed, even his adversary, and unites the tribes. It marks the formal end of Saul's reign and sets the stage for David's assumption of kingship over Judah and, eventually, all Israel. Historically, public laments were a significant cultural practice for commemorating great figures or national tragedies.

2 Samuel 1 18 Word analysis

• He ordered: (ויאמר, vayomer). While often simply "he said," here, in context of the incoming king issuing a command following a national tragedy, it carries significant authority, a formal directive from David to ensure this event is properly memorialized.
• that the people of Judah: (ללמד את־בני יהודה, lelâmmeḏ ʾeṯ-bênê yehûḏāh - literally "to teach the sons of Judah"). Specifies the target audience, emphasizing David's own tribe, suggesting a unifying action from his base of support. It highlights his nascent kingship beginning with his own people.
• be taught: (ללמד, lelâmmeḏ). The Hebrew verb lamad (למד) means "to learn" (qal stem) or "to teach" (piel stem). Here it's the piel infinitive, indicating an active command to teach. This emphasizes the importance of education and transmission of culture, history, and memory within ancient Israel.
• 'the Song of the Bow.': (שירת הקשת, shîraṯ haqqešeṯ). Literally "Song of the Bow." "Song" (שירה, shirah) refers to a poetic composition, likely a dirge or lament (qina) in this context, given the mourning. "Bow" (קשת, qešeṯ) likely highlights Jonathan's exceptional skill with a bow (as seen in 2 Sam 1:22, "Jonathan's bow never turned back"), which was a vital military skill. It also perhaps subtly alludes to Saul's reliance on weaponry. The name likely emphasizes a specific military and heroic aspect.
• It is written: (הנה כתובה, hinneh kĕṯûḇāh - "behold, it is written"). Affirms the existence and authority of the source document, providing substantiation for the song's authenticity. This phrasing often introduces significant scriptural or historical points.
• in the Book of Jashar: (על ספר הישר, ʿal sēp̄er hayyāšār - "upon the Book of Jashar"). "Jashar" (ישר, yashar) means "upright" or "righteous." This was an ancient, non-canonical collection of Hebrew poetry or historical records, distinct from the books that form the Hebrew Bible. Its mention lends credibility to the event's historical preservation. It suggests a reliable source for an authoritative account.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• He ordered that the people of Judah be taught: This immediate, decisive action by David is crucial. Instead of only private lament, David institutes a public, educational measure. This reflects David's statesmanship and his awareness of the importance of shaping collective memory. It's a strategic move to unite Judah, acknowledge Saul's authority, and honor fallen heroes despite personal grievances, thereby stabilizing the transition of power.
• 'the Song of the Bow.' It is written in the Book of Jashar: This phrase validates the source and purpose. The specific name "Song of the Bow" is evocative of warfare and skill, perhaps chosen by David to highlight valor. The reference to the "Book of Jashar" confirms that this was not merely an oral tradition, but a recorded, publicly recognized historical/poetic document. This gives the lament significant cultural and historical weight, ensuring its permanence.

2 Samuel 1 18 Bonus section

The "Song of the Bow" is essentially a qina or lament. These poetic forms often have specific metrical structures (like a limping meter) designed to convey sorrow. The fact that David, a skilled musician and poet himself, composed or commissioned this particular lament and ordered its public teaching underscores his role not just as a military leader but as a cultural leader who understood the power of collective narrative and shared grief in binding a nation. While "the Book of Jashar" is not part of the biblical canon, its mention here, alongside its reference in Joshua 10, suggests it was a well-known and respected collection of national songs and heroic deeds during that period in Israel's history. This highlights the rich literary environment in ancient Israel beyond just the sacred texts we now possess.

2 Samuel 1 18 Commentary

Second Samuel 1:18 is a pivotal verse demonstrating David's unique character and the transition of Israel's leadership. David, while personally grieving, immediately implements a public act of remembrance for his fallen king and beloved friend. This command to teach "the Song of the Bow" to Judah's populace was not just an emotional response but a strategic, unifying gesture. By formally memorializing Saul, David honored God's previous anointed, respected the national symbol of kingship, and fostered unity rather than division. The emphasis on "teaching" signifies the deliberate effort to embed this shared history and values into the national consciousness, acknowledging the high cost of the defeat and the valor of those who died. The reference to the "Book of Jashar" underscores the historicity and established nature of this lament, signaling its importance as a recorded piece of Israel's narrative. This act sets the tone for David's reign, emphasizing his ability to navigate complex political and emotional landscapes with integrity and foresight, recognizing that collective memory plays a vital role in national identity and cohesion.