The two verbs saw and knew serve to reinforce each other, and together they show that there was no doubt at all in the mind of Saul. He “came to recognize” (New American Bible) or “saw clearly” (Revised English Bible) that Yahweh was with David.

The LORD was with David: see the comments on 16.18.

The footnote in Revised Standard Version indicates that there is a textual problem in this verse. Good News Translation follows the Masoretic Text, which states that Saul’s daughter Michal loved David (so also New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, and New American Bible). The Septuagint, however, says that all Israel loved him (so New Jerusalem Bible and Klein, in addition to Revised Standard Version).

Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives a {B} rating to the Masoretic Text, recommending that this clause be rendered “and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him.” Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament further suggests that the verb form of the similar words in verse 20 should be rendered “Michal had fallen in love with David.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .