The beauty of Israel is slain

General information

Source of text: 2 Samuel 1:19-20 & 24-27

Settings by composers

• William Billings SATB

Texts and Translations

English text

19  The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: how are the mighty fallen!
20  Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon; lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.
24  Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel.
25  How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high places.
26  I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.
27  How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!