2 Samuel 1:23

23 Saul and Jonathan were loved and well-liked while they were living. They were not separated even when they died. They were swifter than eagles and stronger than lions.

2 Samuel 1:23 Meaning and Commentary

2 Samuel 1:23

Saul and Jonathan [were] lovely and pleasant in their lives,
&c.] To one another, had no quarrel or difference with each other, only on the account of David; otherwise they agreed together in the court, and in the camp, in their councils, and in their conduct:

and in their death they were not divided;
neither from the people, nor from one another; Jonathan stuck close by his father to the last; which is observed to clear him from any imputation of conspiracy against him:

they were swifter than eagles;
in the quick dispatch of business, in hasting to the relief of the distressed, as Saul to the men of Jabeshgilead, and in the pursuit of their enemies, as of the Philistines, more than once:

they were stronger than lions;
fighting with their enemies, who became an case prey to them; and what is stronger than a lion among beasts? ( Judges 14:18 ) ( Proverbs 30:30 ) ; or swifter than an eagle among birds, which is said to cut the air with its wings ^F24?

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FOOTNOTES:

F24 Aelian. Hist. Animal. l. 15. c. 22. Vid. Ciceron. de Divinatione, l. 2. prope finem.

2 Samuel 1:23 In-Context

21 You mountains in Gilboa, may there be no dew or rain on you or on your slopes, because warriors' shields were tarnished there. Saul's shield was never rubbed with olive oil.

22 From the blood of those killed and the fat of the warriors, Jonathan's bow did not turn away, nor did Saul's sword return unused.

23 Saul and Jonathan were loved and well-liked while they were living. They were not separated even when they died. They were swifter than eagles and stronger than lions.

24 Daughters of Israel, cry over Saul, who dressed you in decorated, red clothes, who put gold jewelry on your clothes.

25 See how the mighty have fallen in battle! On your hills Jonathan was killed!