“the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.”
This verse comes during David’s lament over Saul and Jonathan after their deaths. David is not celebrating their fall. Instead, he is leading the people in mourning and remembrance.
When it says David told them to teach the children of Judah “the use of the bow,” it points especially to Jonathan. Jonathan was known as a skilled archer and warrior. The bow represents strength, skill, and readiness for battle. David wanted the next generation to remember Jonathan’s bravery and to be prepared to defend the nation.
This teaching was not just about weapons. It was about passing on lessons. David understood that future generations needed both practical skill and historical memory. Remembering how Saul and Jonathan fought for Israel would encourage loyalty, courage, and responsibility.
The mention of the “book of Jasher” shows that this lament and instruction were considered important enough to be recorded. It reminds us that God values remembrance and learning from the past.
The verse teaches that grief can become instruction. Even in sorrow, David is thinking about the future of God’s people. He turns loss into preparation and remembrance into teaching.
The lesson for us is that we should teach the next generation what they need to stand firm. This includes skills, faith, and the stories of God’s work through those who came before us.
