Study Desk

and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord 's and he will give you into our hand."

Saul was very angry, for this saying displeased him. He said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands; what more can he have but the kingdom?"

and Saul threw the spear, for he thought, "I will pin David to the wall." But David eluded him twice.

David had success in all his undertakings; for the Lord was with him.

But all Israel and Judah loved David; for it was he who marched out and came in leading them.

Then Saul said to David, "Here is my elder daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife; only be valiant for me and fight the Lord 's battles." For Saul thought, "I will not raise a hand against him; let the Philistines deal with him."

Saul thought, "Let me give her to him that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him." Therefore Saul said to David a second time, "You shall now be my son-in-law."

for he took his life in his hand when he attacked the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great victory for all Israel. You saw it, and rejoiced; why then will you sin against an innocent person by killing David without cause?"

Then Saul sent the messengers to see David for themselves. He said, "Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may kill him."

Then Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you say, I will do for you."

If your father misses me at all, then say, ‘David earnestly asked leave of me to run to Bethlehem his city; for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.'

Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a sacred covenant with you. But if there is guilt in me, kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?"

Jonathan made David swear again by his love for him; for he loved him as he loved his own life.

Then I will send the boy, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows.' If I say to the boy, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you, collect them,' then you are to come, for, as the Lord lives, it is safe for you and there is no danger.

But if I say to the young man, ‘Look, the arrows are beyond you,' then go; for the Lord has sent you away.

As for the matter about which you and I have spoken, the Lord is witness between you and me forever."

Saul did not say anything that day; for he thought, "Something has befallen him; he is not clean, surely he is not clean."

he said, ‘Let me go; for our family is holding a sacrifice in the city, and my brother has commanded me to be there. So now, if I have found favor in your sight, let me get away, and see my brothers.' For this reason he has not come to the king's table."

For as long as the son of Jesse lives upon the earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die."

Jonathan rose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food on the second day of the month, for he was grieved for David, and because his father had disgraced him.