13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed(A) him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord(B) came powerfully upon David.(C) Samuel then went to Ramah.

David in Saul’s Service

14 Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed(D) from Saul, and an evil[a] spirit(E) from the Lord tormented him.(F)

15 Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre.(G) He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.”

17 So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.”

18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse(H) of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior.(I) He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with(J) him.”

19 Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.(K) 20 So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread,(L) a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul.

21 David came to Saul and entered his service.(M) Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”

23 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(N) would leave him.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1 Samuel 16:14 Or and a harmful; similarly in verses 15, 16 and 23

Bible Gateway Recommends