Study Desk

Then David strapped on his sword over his fighting attire, but he tried in vain to walk around, for he was not trained to use them. So David said to Saul, "I am not able to walk with these, because I am not trained to use them." So David removed them.

Then he took his staff in his hand, picked out for himself five smooth stones from the wadi, and he put them in his shepherd's bag, in the pouch. And with his sling in his hand, he approached the Philistine.

When the Philistine looked and saw David, he despised him, for he was only a boy and ruddy with a handsome appearance.

This day Yahweh will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head! Then I will give the corpses of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of heaven and to the animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God who is for Israel.

And all of this assembly will know that Yahweh does not rescue with sword or with spear, for the battle belongs to Yahweh, and he will give you into our hands!"

However, all of Israel and Judah were loving David, for he was going forth and marching ahead of them.

Then Saul said to David, "Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you as your wife. Only be a brave warrior for me and fight the battles of Yahweh." For Saul thought, "My hand will not be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him."

And Saul thought, "I will give her to him, so that she may be a snare for him and the hand of the Philistines may be against him." So Saul said to David, "For a second time you can become my son-in-law today."

Then Saul said, "This is what you must say to David: ‘The king desires no bride price except for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to avenge himself on the enemies of the king.'" (Now Saul had planned to allow David to fall by the hand of the Philistines.)

Then the commanders of the Philistines went out for battle, and as often as they went out, David succeeded more than all the servants of Saul, and his name became very esteemed.

So Jonathan spoke well about David to his father Saul and said to him, "The king should not sin against his servant David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his service for you has been very good.

He put his life in his hand and attacked the Philistine, and Yahweh brought about a great victory for all of Israel, and you saw it and rejoiced! Now why should you sin against innocent blood by killing David without cause?"

Then Jonathan said to David, "Whatever you wish, I will do for you."

If your father misses me at all, then you must say, ‘David earnestly asked from me to run to Bethlehem his city, for the yearly sacrifice is there for all the clan.'

If he says ‘Good,' it will mean peace for your servant; but if he is very angry, know that he has decided to do me harm.

So you must show loyal love to your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of Yahweh with you. But if there is guilt in me, then kill me yourself! But why should you bring me to your father?"

Then Jonathan said, "Far be it from you! For if I know for certain that my father decided evil should come upon you, would I not have told it to you?"

And Jonathan again made David swear an oath, because he loved him; for with the love of his soul he loved him.

Then Jonathan said to him, "Tomorrow is the new moon, and you will be missed, for your seat will stay empty.

Then I will send word to my servant, ‘Go, find the arrows!' If I clearly say to the boy, ‘Look, the arrows are on this side of you; bring it,' then come, for it means peace for you. And there is no problem, as Yahweh lives.