New American Standard Bible

1 Samuel 18:8-18 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

8. Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?"

9. Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on.

10. Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul's hand.

11. Saul hurled the spear for he thought, "I will pin David to the wall." But David escaped from his presence twice.

12. Now Saul was afraid of David, for the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul.

13. Therefore Saul removed him from his presence and appointed him as his commander of a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people.

14. David was prospering in all his ways for the Lord was with him.

15. When Saul saw that he was prospering greatly, he dreaded him.

16. But all Israel and Judah loved David, and he went out and came in before them.

17. Then Saul said to David, "Here is my older daughter Merab; I will give her to you as a wife, only be a valiant man for me and fight the Lord's battles." For Saul thought, "My hand shall not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him."

18. But David said to Saul, "Who am I, and what is my life or my father's family in Israel, that I should be the king's son-in-law?"