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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Samuel 16:23 And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play, and Saul would become well, and the spirit of distress would depart from him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_samuel/16-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/09_1Sa_16_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Samuel 16:23 - David Serves Saul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play, and Saul would become well, and the spirit of distress would depart from him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_samuel/16-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_samuel/16-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/">1 Samuel</a> > <a href="/1_samuel/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_samuel/16-22.htm" title="1 Samuel 16:22">◄</a> 1 Samuel 16:23 <a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm" title="1 Samuel 17:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_samuel/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/16.htm">New International Version</a> Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him. <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away. <a href="/esv/1_samuel/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him. <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/16.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/16.htm">New King James Version</a> And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him. <a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would feel relieved and become well, and the evil spirit would leave him. <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him. <a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him. <a href="/lsb/1_samuel/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Thus it happened that whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him. <a href="/amp/1_samuel/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So it came about that whenever the [evil] spirit from God was on Saul, David took a harp and played it with his hand; so Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would leave him. <a href="/csb/1_samuel/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would pick up his lyre and play, and Saul would then be relieved, feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him. <a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Whenever the spirit from God troubled Saul, David would pick up his lyre and play, and Saul would then be relieved, feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him. <a href="/asv/1_samuel/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took the harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. <a href="/cev/1_samuel/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Whenever the evil spirit from God bothered Saul, David would play his harp. Saul would relax and feel better, and the evil spirit would go away. <a href="/erv/1_samuel/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took the harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. <a href="/gwt/1_samuel/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Whenever God's spirit came to Saul, David took the lyre and strummed a tune. Saul got relief [from his terror] and felt better, and the evil spirit left him. <a href="/gnt/1_samuel/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> From then on, whenever the evil spirit sent by God came on Saul, David would get his harp and play it. The evil spirit would leave, and Saul would feel better and be all right again. <a href="/isv/1_samuel/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> Whenever an evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the lyre and play it. Relief would come to Saul and he would be better, because the evil spirit would leave him. <a href="/msb/1_samuel/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/1_samuel/16.htm">NET Bible</a> So whenever the spirit from God would come upon Saul, David would take his lyre and play it. This would bring relief to Saul and make him feel better. Then the evil spirit would leave him alone. <a href="/nheb/1_samuel/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened, when the spirit from God was on Saul, that David took the harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him. <a href="/wbt/1_samuel/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took a harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. <a href="/web/1_samuel/16.htm">World English Bible</a> When the spirit from God was on Saul, David took the harp and played with his hand; so Saul was refreshed and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it has come to pass, in the spirit of [sadness from] God being on Saul, that David has taken the harp, and played with his hand, and Saul has refreshment and gladness, and the spirit of sadness has turned aside from off him. <a href="/ylt/1_samuel/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it hath come to pass, in the spirit of sadness from God being on Saul, that David hath taken the harp, and played with his hand, and Saul hath refreshment and gladness, and the spirit of sadness hath turned aside from off him. <a href="/slt/1_samuel/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it was in the spirit of God being upon Saul, and David took the harp and played with his hand, and it was refreshed to Saul, and it was good to him, and the evil spirit departed from him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_samuel/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> So whensoever the evil spirit from the Lord was upon Saul, David took his harp, and played with his hand, and Saul was refreshed, and was better, for the evil spirit departed from him. <a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, whenever the evil spirit from the Lord assailed Saul, David took up his stringed instrument, and he struck it with his hand, and Saul was refreshed and uplifted. For the evil spirit withdrew from him. <a href="/nabre/1_samuel/16.htm">New American Bible</a> Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take the harp and play, and Saul would be relieved and feel better, for the evil spirit would leave him. <a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And whenever the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand, and Saul would be relieved and feel better, and the evil spirit would depart from him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And whenever the evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul, David took a harp, and played on it; so Saul was refreshed and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. <a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And whenever the evil spirit of LORD JEHOVAH was on Shaul, David took and he played on the harp and refreshed Shaul, and it was good for him, and the evil spirit passed away from him <div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_samuel/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass, when the [evil] spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took the harp, and played with his hand; so Saul found relief, and it was well with him, and the evil spirit departed from him. <a href="/sep/1_samuel/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it came to pass when the evil spirit was upon Saul, that David took his harp, and played with his hand: and Saul was refreshed, and it was well with him, and the evil spirit departed from him. <a href="/parallel/1_samuel/16-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=4610" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/16.htm">David Serves Saul</a> …22Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.” 23<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">And whenever</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ- (N-csc) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">the spirit</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">from God</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: bih·yō·wṯ (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">upon</a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">Saul,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: dā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">David</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: wə·lā·qaḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">would pick up</a> <a href="/hebrew/3658.htm" title="3658: hak·kin·nō·wr (Art:: N-ms) -- A lyre. From a unused root meaning to twang; a harp.">his harp</a> <a href="/hebrew/5059.htm" title="5059: wə·nig·gên (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to thrum, i.e. Beat a tune with the fingers; expec. To play on a stringed instrument; hence, to make music.">and play,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏōw (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: lə·šā·’ūl (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">and Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/7304.htm" title="7304: wə·rā·waḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To be wide or spacious. A primitive root; properly, to breathe freely, i.e. Revive; by implication, to have ample room.">would become</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: wə·ṭō·wḇ (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">well,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·aḥ (N-csc) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">and the spirit</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: hā·rā·‘āh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">of distress</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: wə·sā·rāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3fs) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">would depart</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘ā·lāw (Prep-m:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">from him.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10</a> The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David played the harp as usual. Now Saul was holding a spear, <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">1 Samuel 19:9</a> But as Saul was sitting in his house with his spear in his hand, a spirit of distress from the LORD came upon him. While David was playing the harp, <a href="/2_kings/3-15.htm">2 Kings 3:15</a> But now, bring me a harpist.” And while the harpist played, the hand of the LORD came upon Elisha <a href="/judges/16-23.htm">Judges 16:23-25</a> Now the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to their god Dagon. They rejoiced and said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands.” / And when the people saw him, they praised their god, saying: “Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy who destroyed our land and multiplied our dead.” / And while their hearts were merry, they said, “Call for Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison to entertain them. And they stationed him between the pillars. <a href="/1_chronicles/25-1.htm">1 Chronicles 25:1-3</a> Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: / From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. / From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. <a href="/2_chronicles/5-13.htm">2 Chronicles 5:13-14</a> The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud / so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the LORD filled the house of God. <a href="/2_chronicles/20-21.htm">2 Chronicles 20:21-22</a> Then Jehoshaphat consulted with the people and appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.” / The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. <a href="/psalms/33-2.htm">Psalm 33:2-3</a> Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to Him with ten strings. / Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy. <a href="/psalms/43-4.htm">Psalm 43:4</a> Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God. <a href="/psalms/57-7.htm">Psalm 57:7-9</a> My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make music. / Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. / I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing Your praises among the peoples. <a href="/psalms/92-1.htm">Psalm 92:1-3</a> A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath day. It is good to praise the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High, / to proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning and Your faithfulness at night / with the ten-stringed harp and the melody of the lyre. <a href="/psalms/144-9.htm">Psalm 144:9</a> I will sing to You a new song, O God; on a harp of ten strings I will make music to You— <a href="/matthew/9-32.htm">Matthew 9:32-33</a> As they were leaving, a demon-possessed man who was mute was brought to Jesus. / And when the demon had been driven out, the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!” <a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">Matthew 12:22</a> Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed the man so that he could speak and see. <a href="/mark/5-2.htm">Mark 5:2-15</a> As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, He was met by a man with an unclean spirit, who was coming from the tombs. / This man had been living in the tombs and could no longer be restrained, even with chains. / Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was on 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.the evil spirit<a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">1 Samuel 16:14,16</a> But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him… Saul<a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">1 Samuel 18:10,11</a> And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand… <a href="/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43-45</a> When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none… <a href="/luke/11-24.htm">Luke 11:24-26</a> When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/15-28.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-22.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-27.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-16.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-20.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-16.htm">Harp</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-5.htm">Instrument</a> <a href="/genesis/31-27.htm">Lyre</a> <a href="/judges/11-34.htm">Music</a> <a href="/1_samuel/6-7.htm">New</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-17.htm">Play</a> <a href="/judges/19-2.htm">Played</a> <a href="/exodus/31-17.htm">Refreshed</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-8.htm">Refreshment</a> <a href="/1_samuel/8-18.htm">Relief</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-15.htm">Sadness</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-22.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-16.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-52.htm">Whenever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-12.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-5.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-12.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-8.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-22.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">Harp</a> <a href="/job/41-30.htm">Instrument</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-10.htm">Lyre</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-6.htm">Music</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-5.htm">New</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-7.htm">Play</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-7.htm">Played</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-14.htm">Refreshed</a> <a href="/job/32-20.htm">Refreshment</a> <a href="/esther/4-14.htm">Relief</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">Sadness</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-2.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-1.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-30.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-20.htm">Whenever</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 16</div>1. <a href="/1_samuel/16-1.htm">Samuel sent by God, under pretense of a sacrifice, comes to Bethlehem</a> 6. <a href="/1_samuel/16-6.htm">His human judgment is reproved</a> 11. <a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">He anoints David</a> 15. <a href="/1_samuel/16-15.htm">Saul sends for David to quiet his evil spirit</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul This phrase refers to a troubling spirit that God allowed to afflict Saul after the Spirit of the Lord departed from him (<a href="/1_samuel/16-14.htm">1 Samuel 16:14</a>). This spirit is often understood as a form of divine judgment, reflecting Saul's disobedience and rejection as king. Theologically, it highlights the sovereignty of God in using even distressing circumstances to fulfill His purposes. The concept of a spirit from God causing distress is unique and emphasizes the seriousness of Saul's spiritual decline.David would pick up his harp and play David's skill as a musician is introduced here, showcasing his talents beyond his future role as king. The harp, or lyre, was a common instrument in ancient Israel, used in both worship and personal expression. David's music had a soothing effect, which is significant in the cultural context where music was often used for emotional and spiritual healing. This also foreshadows David's role as the author of many Psalms, which continue to provide comfort and spiritual insight.Then Saul would find relief and feel better The relief Saul experienced indicates the power of music and its ability to influence the human spirit. This momentary respite suggests that while the spirit was from God, it was not beyond God's control to alleviate through David's playing. It also underscores the temporary nature of Saul's relief, pointing to the deeper spiritual issues that could not be resolved by music alone.and the spirit of distress would depart from him The departure of the distressing spirit upon David's playing highlights the spiritual authority and anointing that David carried, even before he became king. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who brings peace and relief to troubled souls. The temporary departure of the spirit also serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for true repentance and alignment with God's will. This narrative sets the stage for the growing contrast between Saul and David, as well as the unfolding of God's plan for Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a> The first king of Israel, who was tormented by an evil spirit sent by God due to his disobedience and rejection of God's commands. 2. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> The youngest son of Jesse, anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel. Known for his musical skill and his heart for God. 3. <a href="/topical/h/harp.htm">Harp</a> A stringed musical instrument played by David, which brought relief to Saul when he was tormented by the evil spirit. 4. <a href="/topical/s/spirit_from_god.htm">Spirit from God</a> Refers to the troubling spirit that God allowed to come upon Saul as a consequence of his disobedience. 5. <a href="/topical/r/relief_and_departure_of_the_evil_spirit.htm">Relief and Departure of the Evil Spirit</a> The result of David's harp playing, which brought temporary peace to Saul.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_music_in_spiritual_warfare.htm">The Power of Music in Spiritual Warfare</a> Music can be a tool for spiritual relief and warfare, as seen in David's playing that drove away the evil spirit from Saul. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_discipline.htm">God's Sovereignty and Discipline</a> God allowed the evil spirit to torment Saul as a form of discipline, reminding us of the consequences of disobedience. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_a_servant's_heart.htm">The Role of a Servant's Heart</a> David's willingness to serve Saul, despite knowing he was anointed as the future king, demonstrates humility and faithfulness. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_gifts.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Gifts</a> David's musical talent was used by God to minister to Saul, showing how our gifts can be used for God's purposes. <a href="/topical/t/temporary_vs._permanent_solutions.htm">Temporary vs. Permanent Solutions</a> While David's music provided temporary relief, Saul's deeper issue was his need for repentance and reconciliation with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 16</a> <a href="/q/which_bible_verses_support_exorcism.htm">What Bible verses support Christian exorcism practices?</a> <a href="/q/is_psalm_32_truly_by_david_any_proof.htm">How do we know Psalm 32 is genuinely attributed to David, and is there any archaeological or historical proof for this claim?</a> <a href="/q/which_instruments_are_in_the_old_testament.htm">What musical instruments are mentioned in the Old Testament?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_a_levitical_orchestra.htm">Does archaeological or historical evidence support the existence of an organized Levitical orchestra as described in 1 Chronicles 15:16–24?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) David took an harp, and played with his hand.--"The music," beautifully writes F. D. Maurice, "was more than a mere palliative. It brought back for the time the sense of a true order, a secret, inward harmony, an assurance that it is near every man, and that he may enter into it. A wonderful message, no doubt, to a king or a common man, better than a great multitude of words, a continual prophecy that there is a deliverer who can take the vulture from the heart, and unbind the sufferer from the rock. . . . As the boy minstrel played, the afflicted monarch was refreshed, and the dark clouds rolled away.""He is Saul, ye remember in glory--ere error had bentThe broad brow from the daily communion, and still, thoughmuch spentBe the life and the bearing that front you, the same God didchooseTo receive what a man may waste, desecrate, never quitelose."--BROWNING: Saul.And the evil spirit departed from him.--Many instances besides those recorded above (see note to <a href="/1_samuel/16-16.htm" title="Let our lord now command your servants, which are before you, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is on you, that he shall play with his hand, and you shall be well.">1Samuel 16:16</a>) might be quoted of the beneficial effects of music and singing upon a disturbed spirit, or on a mind diseased. The holy Elisha, we are told, when "disturbed in spirit," would call for a minstrel, and after listening to the sweet, soothing strains, would write and speak his prophetic utterances.In modern times a well-known instance of this strange power over a troubled spirit is that of Philip V. of Spain, who, we are told, was restored from the deepest melancholy and depression by the sweet voice and words of Farinelli. Luther speaks of this power of music over the sick and weary soul as "one of the fairest and most glorious gifts of God, to which Satan is a bitter enemy, for it removes from the heart the weight of sorrow and the fascination of evil thoughts." Basil's words on this subject are worth quoting:--"Psalmody is the calm of the soul, the repose of the spirit, the arbiter of peace. It silences the wave, and conciliates the whirlwind of our passions. It is an engenderer of friendship, a healer of dissension, a reconciler of enemies. It repels demons, lures the ministry of angels, shields us from nightly terrors, and refreshes us in daily toil." . . . <a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/16-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And whenever וְהָיָ֗ה (wə·hā·yāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be the spirit רֽוּחַ־ (rū·aḥ-) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit from God אֱלֹהִים֙ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative came בִּֽהְי֤וֹת (bih·yō·wṯ) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be upon אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Saul, שָׁא֔וּל (šā·’ūl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites David דָּוִ֛ד (dā·wiḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse would pick up וְלָקַ֥ח (wə·lā·qaḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take his harp הַכִּנּ֖וֹר (hak·kin·nō·wr) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3658.htm">Strong's 3658: </a> A harp and play, וְנִגֵּ֣ן (wə·nig·gên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5059.htm">Strong's 5059: </a> To touch or play a stringed instrument and Saul לְשָׁאוּל֙ (lə·šā·’ūl) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites would become וְרָוַ֤ח (wə·rā·waḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7304.htm">Strong's 7304: </a> To breathe freely, revive, to have ample room well, וְט֣וֹב (wə·ṭō·wḇ) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2895.htm">Strong's 2895: </a> To be pleasing or good and the spirit ר֥וּחַ (rū·aḥ) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit of distress הָרָעָֽה׃ (hā·rā·‘āh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil would depart וְסָ֥רָה (wə·sā·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> To turn aside from him. מֵעָלָ֖יו (mê·‘ā·lāw) Preposition-m | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_samuel/16-23.htm">1 Samuel 16:23 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-23.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 16:23 It happened when the evil spirit (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/16-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 16:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 16:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/17-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 17:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 17:1" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>