King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 1:18 Mean?

2 Samuel 1:18 in the King James Version says “(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.) of Jash...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Samuel 1:18 · KJV

Context

16

And David said unto him, Thy blood be upon thy head; for thy mouth hath testified against thee, saying, I have slain the LORD'S anointed.

17

And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over Jonathan his son:

18

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

19

The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!

20

Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.

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Commentary

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

This verse contributes to the narrative of David Learns of Saul's Death, emphasizing honoring God's anointed, genuine grief. The Hebrew terminology emphasizes David's respect for God's anointed (mashiach, מָשִׁיחַ) even after death. David's lament (vv. 19-27) represents some of Scripture's finest poetry, expressing genuine grief without compromising theological truth about Saul's disobedience. Cross-references to 1 Samuel demonstrate narrative continuity while developing themes of covenant faithfulness and proper mourning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 1 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding honoring God's anointed, genuine grief provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of honoring God's anointed, genuine grief?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר1 of 10

“Also he bade”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְלַמֵּ֥ד2 of 10

“them teach”

H3925

properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)

בְּנֵֽי3 of 10

“the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְהוּדָ֖ה4 of 10

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

קָ֑שֶׁת5 of 10

“the use of the bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

הִנֵּ֥ה6 of 10
H2009

lo!

כְתוּבָ֖ה7 of 10

“behold it is written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

עַל8 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

סֵ֥פֶר9 of 10

“in the book”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

הַיָּשָֽׁר׃10 of 10

“of Jasher”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 1:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 1:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 10:13Genesis 49:8Deuteronomy 4:10

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