1 Samuel 16:14-19

Christian Standard Bible

David in Saul’s Court

¹⁴ Now the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul,^(A) and an evil spirit sent from the Lord began to torment him, ¹⁵ so Saul’s servants said to him, “You see that an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. ¹⁶ Let our lord command your servants here in your presence to look for someone who knows how to play the lyre. Whenever the evil spirit from God comes on you, that person can play the lyre, and you will feel better.”^(B)

¹⁷ Then Saul commanded his servants, “Find me someone who plays well and bring him to me.”

¹⁸ One of the young men answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is also a valiant man,^(C) a warrior, eloquent, handsome, and the Lord is with him.”^(D)

¹⁹ Then Saul dispatched messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.”