1 Samuel 18:2-8

GOD’S WORD Translation

² (From that day on Saul kept David ⌞as his servant⌟ and didn’t let him go back to his family.) ³ So Jonathan made a pledge of mutual loyalty with David because he loved him as much as ⌞he loved⌟ himself. ⁴ Jonathan took off the coat he had on and gave it to David along with his battle tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.

⁵ David was successful wherever Saul sent him. Saul put him in charge of the fighting men. This pleased all the people, including Saul’s officials.

David’s Success Makes Saul Jealous

⁶ As they arrived, David was returning from a campaign against the Philistines. Women from all of Israel’s cities came to meet King Saul. They sang and danced, accompanied by tambourines, joyful music, and triangles. ⁷ The women who were celebrating sang,

⁸ Saul became very angry because he considered this saying to be insulting. “To David they credit tens of thousands,” he said, “but to me they credit ⌞only⌟ a few thousand. The only thing left for David is my kingdom.”