Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

nation for his evil act. He laid a trap, urging David to fight against
the Philistines with still greater vigor, promising the oldest daughter
of the royal house as a reward. David's modest answer to this offer
was, "Who am I, and what is my life or my father's family in Israel,
that I should be son-in-law to the king?" The monarch showed his
insincerity by marrying the princess to someone else.
Michal, Saul's youngest daughter, was offered to David on
condition that he give evidence of having slaughtered a specified
number of their enemies. "Saul thought to make David fall by the
hand of the Philistines," but David returned as victor from the battle,
to become the king's son-in-law. "Michal, Saul's daughter, loved
him," and the enraged king was still more sure that this was the man
whom the Lord had said was better than he and who would reign in
his place. No longer concealing his feelings, he ordered his officers
to take the life of the one he hated.
Jonathan reminded the king about what David had done to
preserve the honor and life of the nation, and what terrible guilt
would rest on anyone who murdered the one whom God had used to
scatter their enemies. The conscience of the king was touched. "And
Saul swore, 'As the Lord lives, he shall not be killed.'" David was
brought to Saul, and he served in his presence as in the past.
David Leads the Victorious Army
Again the nation declared war, and David led the army against
their enemies. The Hebrews gained a great victory, and the people
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