16. But all of the troops of Israel and Judah loved David. That's because he led them in battle.
17. Saul said to David, "Here is my older daughter Merab. I'll give her to you to be your wife. Just serve me bravely and fight the Lord's battles." Saul said to himself, "I won't have to lift my hand to strike him down. The Philistines will do that!"
18. But David said to Saul, "Who am I? Is anyone in my whole family that important in Israel? Am I worthy to become the king's son-in-law?"
19. The time came for Saul to give his daughter Merab to David. Instead, Saul gave her to Adriel from Meholah to be his wife.