David's Lament

David took up this lament
concerning Saul and his son Jonathan,
and ordered that the men of Judah
be taught this lament of the bow . . .

"Saul and Jonathan -
in life there were loved and gracious,
and in death they were not parted.
They were swifter than eagles,
they were stronger than lions."

(II Samuel 1:17, 23)

From AE 281 [7]

"Saul" as a king, and "Jonathan" as a king's son,
signify the truth of the church;
and because intelligence is from truth, and also power,
it is said that they were
"swifter than eagles, and stronger than lions;"
"swiftness" in the Word, in reference to intelligence,
signifying the affection of truth.
For David wrote his lamentation over Saul and Jonathan
"to teach the sons of Judah the bow;"
and "the sons of Judah" signify the truths of the church,
and the "bow" means
the doctrine of truth combating against falsities.