^{16 Ref} But David was loved by all Israel and Judah, for he went out and came in before them.

^{17 Ref} And Saul said to David, Here is my oldest daughter Merab, whom I will give you for your wife: only be strong for me, fighting in the Lord's wars. For Saul said, Let it not be through me that his fate comes to him, but through the Philistines.