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16 But everyone else in Judah and Israel was loyal to[a] David, because he led the army in battle.

17 One day, Saul told David, “If you'll be brave and fight the Lord's battles for me, I'll let you marry my oldest daughter Merab.” But Saul was really thinking, “I don't want to kill David myself, so I'll let the Philistines do it for me.”

18 David answered, “How could I possibly marry your daughter? I'm not very important, and neither is my family.”

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Footnotes

  1. 18.16 was loyal to: Or “loved.”

16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, because he led them in their campaigns.(A)

17 Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter(B) Merab. I will give her to you in marriage;(C) only serve me bravely and fight the battles(D) of the Lord.” For Saul said to himself,(E) “I will not raise a hand against him. Let the Philistines do that!”

18 But David said to Saul, “Who am I,(F) and what is my family or my clan in Israel, that I should become the king’s son-in-law?(G)

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