¹⁸ “I commanded you at that time: The Lord your God has given you this land to possess. All your fighting men will cross over in battle formation ahead of your brothers the Israelites.

⁵² The conflict with the Philistines was fierce all of Saul’s days, so whenever Saul noticed any strong or brave man, he enlisted him.^(A)

¹⁷ Saul told David, “Here is my oldest daughter Merab. I’ll give her to you as a wife,^(A) if you will be a warrior for me and fight the Lord’s battles.”^(B) But Saul was thinking, “My hand doesn’t need to be against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.”^(C)

⁷ Therefore, be strong and courageous, for though Saul your lord is dead, the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”

²⁸ Now Absalom commanded his young men, “Watch Amnon until he is in a good mood from the wine. When I order you to strike Amnon, then kill him. Don’t be afraid. Am I not the one who has commanded you? Be strong and courageous!”^(A)