12. So Saul feared David, because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul.
13. Saul removed David from his presence and made him a commanding officer. David led the army out to battle and back.
14. Now David achieved success in all he did, for the Lord was with him.
15. When Saul saw how very successful he was, he was afraid of him.
16. But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he was the one leading them out to battle and back.
17. Then Saul said to David, “Here’s my oldest daughter, Merab. I want to give her to you in marriage. Only be a brave warrior for me and fight the battles of the Lord.” For Saul thought, “There’s no need for me to raise my hand against him. Let it be the hand of the Philistines!”
18. David said to Saul, “Who am I? Who are my relatives or the clan of my father in Israel that I should become the king’s son-in-law?”
19. When the time came for Merab, Saul’s daughter, to be given to David, she instead was given in marriage to Adriel, who was from Meholah.