# Now
This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Samuel gives information about the war between David and the supporters of Saul. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background]])
# house
Here "house" is used to mean "supporters."
# grew stronger and stronger
This metaphor means the number of people supporting David increased. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])
# grew weaker and weaker
This metaphor means the number of people supporting Saul's family decreased. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])