2 Samuel 1:20
Tell it not in Gath;
What it says
It says the news must not be told in Gath or proclaimed in Ashkelon, lest Philistine daughters rejoice.
What it is doing
This verse keeps Israel’s shame from becoming enemy triumph.
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,