David wanted the men of Judah to know this song so as to prepare them for future battle against the Philistines and the other enemies of Israel.1 As they reflected and mourned the tragic state of God’s covenant people, this would motivate them to seek the restoration of God’s people.2 The words of the song also taught the people how to remember Saul and Jonathan; they had to be thankful for the work they had done to bring a measure of peace and for their various battle victories.
18 and he said it should be taught to the people of Judah; behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar. He said: