King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 1:19 Mean?
“The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!”
Context
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.
21
Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(19) **The beauty of Israel,** in the sense of the glory or ornament of Israel, referring to Saul and Jonathan. The rendering of the Syriac and some commentators, “the gazelle,” as a poetic name for Jonathan, is uncalled for, both because the words are spoken of Saul and Jonathan together, and because there is no evidence elsewhere that Jonathan was so called, nor is there any allusion to him under this figure in the song.
**Upon thy high places.**—Comp. 2Samuel 1:21; 2Samuel 1:25. This line may be considered as the superscription of the whole song.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 1:19 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 1:19
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge