1 Samuel 18:1–16
1 Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that athe soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and bJonathan loved him as himself.
2 Saul took him that day and adid not let him return to his father’s house.
3 Then aJonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.
4 aJonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt.
5 So David went out wherever Saul sent him, and 1prospered; and Saul set him over the men of war. And it was pleasing in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants.
6 It happened as they were coming, when David returned from killing the Philistine, that athe women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with joy and with 1musical instruments.
7 The women asang as they 1played, and said,
“bSaul has slain his thousands,
cAnd David his ten thousands.”
8 Then Saul became very angry, for this saying 1displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands. Now awhat 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 aan evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and bhe raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, 1cas usual; and 2da spear was in Saul’s hand.
11 aSaul hurled the spear for he thought, “I will 1pin David to the wall.” But David 2escaped from his presence twice.
12 Now aSaul was afraid of David, bfor the Lord was with him but chad departed from Saul.
13 Therefore Saul removed him from 1his presence and appointed him as his commander of a thousand; and ahe went out and came in before the people.
14 David was 1prospering in all his ways for athe Lord was with him.
15 When Saul saw that he was 1prospering greatly, he dreaded him.
16 But aall Israel and Judah loved David, and he went out and came in before them.