1 Samuel 16:14-23

Good News Translation

David in Saul's Court

¹⁴ The Lord's spirit left Saul, and an evil spirit sent by the Lord tormented him. ¹⁵ His servants said to him, “We know that an evil spirit sent by God is tormenting you. ¹⁶ So give us the order, sir, and we will look for a man who knows how to play the harp. Then when the evil spirit comes on you, the man can play his harp, and you will be all right again.”

¹⁷ Saul ordered them, “Find me a man who plays well and bring him to me.”

¹⁸ One of his attendants said, “Jesse of the town of Bethlehem has a son who is a good musician. He is also a brave and handsome man, a good soldier, and an able speaker. The Lord is with him.”

¹⁹ So Saul sent messengers to Jesse to say, “Send me your son David, the one who takes care of the sheep.” ²⁰ Jesse sent David to Saul with a young goat, a donkey loaded with bread, and a leather bag full of wine. ²¹ David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much and chose him as the man to carry his weapons. ²² Then Saul sent a message to Jesse: “I like David. Let him stay here in my service.” ²³ 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.