1 Samuel 18:6-16

6When the victorious Israelite army was returning home after David had killed the Philistine, women from all the towns of Israel came out to meet King Saul. They sang and danced for joy with tambourines and cymbals.

7This was their song: “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!”

8This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!”

9So from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.

10The very next day a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave in his house like a madman. David was playing the harp, as he did each day. But Saul had a spear in his hand,

11and he suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David escaped him twice.

12Saul was then afraid of David, for the Lord was with David and had turned away from Saul.

13Finally, Saul sent him away and appointed him commander over 1,000 men, and David faithfully led his troops into battle.

14David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him.

15When Saul recognized this, he became even more afraid of him.

16But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was so successful at leading his troops into battle.