¹⁸ I commanded you at that time: “The Lord your God has given^(A) you this land to take possession of it. But all your able-bodied men, armed for battle, must cross over ahead of the other Israelites.^(B)

⁵² All the days of Saul there was bitter war with the Philistines, and whenever Saul saw a mighty or brave man, he took^(A) him into his service.

¹⁷ Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter^(A) Merab. I will give her to you in marriage;^(B) only serve me bravely and fight the battles^(C) of the Lord.” For Saul said to himself,^(D) “I will not raise a hand against him. Let the Philistines do that!”

⁷ Now then, be strong^(A) and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the people of Judah have anointed me king over them.”

²⁸ Absalom^(A) ordered his men, “Listen! When Amnon is in high^(B) spirits from drinking wine and I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon down,’ then kill him. Don’t be afraid. Haven’t I given you this order? Be strong and brave.^(C)”

¹⁰ Then even the bravest soldier, whose heart is like the heart of a lion,^(A) will melt^(B) with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a fighter and that those with him are brave.^(C)

⁵² Solomon replied, “If he shows himself to be worthy, not a hair^(A) of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die.”

¹⁶ “Look,” they said, “we your servants have fifty able men. Let them go and look for your master. Perhaps the Spirit^(A) of the Lord has picked him up^(B) and set him down on some mountain or in some valley.”

“No,” Elisha replied, “do not send them.”