1 Samuel 18:2

18:2 Saul retained David ¹  on that day and did not allow him to return to his father’s house.

1 Samuel 18:17

18:17 ² Then Saul said to David, “Here’s my oldest daughter, Merab. I want to give her to you in marriage. Only be a brave warrior ³  for me and fight the battles of the Lord.” For Saul thought, “There’s no need for me to raise my hand against him. Let it be the hand of the Philistines!”

1 Samuel 18:19

18:19 When the time came for Merab, Saul’s daughter, to be given to David, she instead was given in marriage to Adriel, who was from Meholah.

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¹ tn Heb “him”; the referent (David) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

² tc Much of the ms evidence for the LXX lacks vv. 17-19.

³ tn Heb “son of valor.”