2 Samuel 1:23-27
1:23 [David’s lament for Saul and Jonathan (1:17-27); David honored Saul both in life and in death and emphasized the positive rather than negative aspects of Saul’s life and work; cf. Prov. 24:29] “Saul and Jonathan—in life they were loved and gracious, and in death they were not parted. They were [note description of the fighting skill of Saul and Jonathan…] swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.

1:24 “O daughters of Israel [women of city or nation often gathered to celebrate a victory or to mourn a loss], weep for Saul, who [note that Saul’s reign had brought a new prosperity to Israel…] clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold.

1:25 “How the mighty have fallen in battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights.

1:26 I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother [cf. Prov. 18:24]; you were very dear to me [cf. 1 Sam. 18:1-4; 19:1-7; 20:1-42 re: friendship between David and Jonathan]. Your love [this word for love carries no sexual overtones but refers to the loyalty and care that David and Jonathan shared for one another] for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.

1:27 “How the mighty have fallen! The weapons of war [probably a metaphor for Saul and Jonathan] have perished!”