In the midst of battle, David struggles with his feelings for Michal and devises a plan to get King Saul's approval to marry her instead of Merav. Michal confides in Jonathan and asks him to watch out for David on his journey. Fueled by suspicion and jealousy, Ishbal seeks out Eliab to travel back to Bethlehem so he can find out more about David. Meanwhile, Ahinoam simmers with anger over David's humiliation of Merav, and Saul empathizes with David's plight by pledging to be faithful and more loving toward Ahimoam.

Jonathan is dying in the dungeon while Saul refuses to help him, forcing Merav and Anihoam to rescue Jonathan with the help of Ritzpah. Meanwhile, David recruits Israelite soldiers being held under Philistine guard to create an army for himself.