David remembered and celebrated the battle victories of Saul and Jonathan. At the beginning of his reign, Saul had mustered Israel to fight against and defeat Nahash the Ammonite (1 Samuel 11:1–15). He then went on to fight against the Philistines (1 Samuel 13:1–4) where Jonathan boldly attacked an outpost resulting in widespread panic (1 Samuel 14:1–15) and giving Israelite forces a chance to drive the Philistines from the land (1 Samuel 14:16–23). Saul also fought valiantly against other enemies around Israel: Moab, Ammon, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Amalekites (1 Samuel 14:47–48).
22 “From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty.