What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 1:22?

From the blood of the slain

• David’s lament opens by picturing the battlefield itself: “From the blood of the slain” (2 Samuel 1:22).

• The line honors Saul and Jonathan for fighting courageously until enemy blood was shed. They did not shrink from the horror of combat (cf. 1 Samuel 14:13-14; 1 Samuel 18:5-7).

• Scripture often links victory to spilled blood in warfare—see Deuteronomy 32:42 and Isaiah 63:3—as a sober reminder that freedom for God’s people has regularly come at great cost.

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from the fat of the mighty

• “Fat” points to abundance and strength, the richest part (Exodus 29:13). On the field it signifies the choicest, strongest warriors.

• Saul and Jonathan were undeterred even when facing the “mighty”—seasoned, well-equipped adversaries (Isaiah 34:6). Their bravery matched the best their enemies could offer (1 Samuel 14:48).

• The phrase underscores total commitment: nothing short of the hardest battles could satisfy their zeal for Israel’s safety.

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the bow of Jonathan did not retreat

• Jonathan was famed for his skill with the bow (1 Samuel 20:20-22) and for fearless initiatives like his lone attack on the Philistine outpost (1 Samuel 14:6-13).

• “Did not retreat” celebrates steady, forward momentum. Jonathan’s faith-fueled courage pressed on until victory was secured (Hebrews 11:32-34 echoes this spirit).

• Earlier in the song David urged Judah to learn “the bow” (2 Samuel 1:18), making Jonathan’s weapon a living lesson in bold reliance on the Lord.

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and the sword of Saul did not return empty

• Early in his reign Saul’s sword unified and delivered Israel (1 Samuel 11:6-11; 14:47-48).

• “Did not return empty” (or “unsatisfied,”) means every campaign produced tangible results—enemies routed, territory secured, people protected (Judges 7:20 captures a similar image of a decisive sword).

• Although Saul later faltered spiritually, David here graciously remembers the season when Saul’s military leadership was a real blessing to the nation.

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summary

Verse 22 paints Saul and Jonathan as relentless warriors whose weapons never hesitated or failed. Their valor secured Israel’s safety against the strongest foes, and David honors that legacy without reserve. The line reminds us that God often works through courageous, sacrificial service, urging His people today to stand firm and finish the tasks He entrusts to us.