How are the mighty fallen: a repetition of the main theme of the lament and a reference to Saul and Jonathan. See verse 19.

In the midst of the battle is translated idiomatically in New American Bible and New Jerusalem Bible (similarly Bible en français courant) as “in the thick of the battle.” The sense seems to be that they were killed at a time of intense fighting.

Upon thy high places: The translation of this expression in this verse should be in keeping with its translation in verse 19.

Revised Standard Version has divided the text in such a way as to make a new paragraph of the last sentence of this verse, and it is connected with verse 26. The division of Good News Translation should, however, be followed. This is similar to verse 19, but the order of the elements is different. In verse 19 Saul is referred to as Israel’s glory, while here the reference is to Jonathan.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .