A reading from the book of 1 Samuel.

As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David,

and Jonathan loved him as his own soul.

And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house.

Then Jonathan made a covenant with David,

because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on

him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword, and his bow, and his belt.

And David went out, and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set

him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in

the sight of Sel's servants. As they were coming home, when David returned from striking

down the Philistine, the women

came out of all the cities of Israel singing and dancing to meet King Saul with tambourines,

with songs of joy, and with musical instruments.

And the women sang to one another as they celebrated.

Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten

thousands. And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said they have ascribed to

David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?

And Saul eyed David from that day on.

The next day, a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house,

while David was playing the liar, as he did day by day, Saul had his spear

in his hand, and Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, I will pin David to the wall. But David

evaded him twice. Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him, but had departed from Saul.

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