2 Samuel 1:18 Meaning and Explanation
“(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →David orders that the people of Judah be taught this song, called the Bow, recorded in the book of Jasher.
What Does 2 Samuel 1:18 Mean?
A parenthesis tells us David commanded that the people of Judah learn this lament, here titled the Bow, and notes that it was preserved in the book of Jasher, an old collection of Israel's songs and memories now lost to us.
The detail shows that David wanted this sorrow remembered, taught from generation to generation. Grief and honor were not to be private but woven into the nation's memory. That an ancient source is cited reminds us how Scripture gathers and preserves what is true and worthy. Songs outlast battles; what is sung in love endures long after the swords have rusted.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 1:18
What does 2 Samuel 1:18 mean?
David orders that the people of Judah be taught this song, called the Bow, recorded in the book of Jasher.