Keraia
1 Samuel 16

1 Samuel 16:23

David Serves Saul · 1 Samuel 16:14–23
Read 1 Samuel 16

Translations

Modern
And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play. Then Saul would find relief and feel better, and the spirit of distress would depart from him.
Traditional
And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
Literal
And it came to pass when the spirit from God is upon Saul, that David would take the harp and play with his hand for Saul, and he would become refreshed, and it was well with him, and the spirit of distress would depart from him.
Latin
Igitur quandocumque spiritus Domini malus arripiebat Saul, David tollebat citharam, et percutiebat manu sua, et refocillabatur Saul, et levius habebat: recedebat enim ab eo spiritus malus.

Original

Hebrew
English
And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play. Then Saul would find relief and feel better, and the spirit of distress would depart from him.

Notes

1 Samuel 16:23

  • Saul would become well: David was not just a handsome young man with musical talent. He was the chosen king. David showed what a king should be: someone who brings relief. Later, David wrote many psalms that have provided comfort and relief over the years.

  • the spirit of distress would depart from him: Even those who are disobedient and rejected can find relief and comfort through the Lord’s servant.

1 Samuel 16:1–23

David replaced Saul as king. David and Saul were alike in these ways:

  • Samuel anointed both.

  • Neither was pursuing the position of king.

  • Both were unlikely choices (Saul was from the smallest tribe, and David was the youngest son).

  • They were both good-looking (1 Samuel 9:2; 16:12).

  • The Spirit rushed upon each when anointed as king (1 Samuel 10:10; 11:6; 16:13).

The main difference was that David was "a man after [God's] own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14; compare 16:7), while Saul was not.

Events

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Saul: First king of Israel, anointed by Samuel

Glossary

City of David David David, City of Demon Exorcism, Exorcist Musical Instruments Samuel, Books of First and Second

Topics

David: King of Israel: David As Musician David: King of Israel: Detailed As Armor-Bearer and Musician at Saul's Court Demons: Possession by Saul Harp: David Skillful in Manipulating Harps Jesse: Saul Asks, to Send David to Become a Member of his Court Music: Considered Efficacious in Mental Disorders Saul: Sends Messengers to Jesse, Asking That David be Sent to Him As a Musician and an Armor-Bearer