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2Sa_1:18 (Also he bade them teach the children of Judah [the use of] the bow: behold, [it is] written in the book of Jasher.)
Ver. 18. Also he bade them teach.] Or, And he spake it to teach, &c., sc., in honour of Jonathan, so skilful a bowman, {2Sa_1:22} and for their own future defence against the Philistine archers, who had wounded and slain Saul and his sons with these weapons, {1Sa_31:3} for which end also, among others, David made this doleful ditty to be sung by all sorts for their instruction and comfort. After the discomfiture of the Athenians in Sicily, those were relieved who could repeat somewhat out of Euripides, the tragedian.
The children of Judah the use of the bow.] David was not so overcome with grief but he could think of this, and gave order to have it done for a public good. The Lacedemonians, and before them the Ethiopians, accustomed their youth daily to fling javelins or great stones, to shoot at marks, to run races, &c., before they either ate or drank.
Behold, it is written in the Book of Jasher.] A general chronicle, say some: a brief compend, say others, of the most memorable things touching that nation: and haply called the Book of Jasher, in allusion to the name of Jeshurun, whereby is meant Israel. {Deu_32:15; Deu_33:5} {See Trapp on "Jos_10:13"}