16. Everyone in Israel and Judah loved David because he led them out in war and back again.
17. Saul said to David, "Look, here is my oldest daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage on this condition: you must be my warrior and fight the Lord’s battles." I won’t raise my hand against him, Saul thought; let the Philistines do that!
18. "I’m not worthy," David replied to Saul, "and neither is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, to become the king’s son-in-law."
19. And so when the time came for Saul’s daughter Merab to be married to David, she was given to Adriel from Meholah instead.
20. Now Saul’s younger daughter Michal loved David. When this was reported to Saul, he was happy about it.
21. I’ll give her to him, Saul thought; she’ll cause him problems, and the Philistines will be against him.So Saul said to David a second time, "Become my son-in-law now."