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)”