2 Samuel 1:19
“Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights.
What it says
The song begins by saying Israel’s glory lies slain on its heights and cries, "How the mighty have fallen."
What it is doing
This verse sets the lament’s main image and refrain.
In context
17Then David took up this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan, 18and he ordered that the sons of Judah be taught the Song of the Bow. It is written in the Book of Jashar: 19“Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. 20Tell it not in Gath; 21O mountains of Gilboa, 22From the blood of the slain, 23Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, 24O daughters of Israel, 25How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! 26I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. 27How the mighty have fallen,