1 Samuel 16:14-23

International Children’s Bible

David Serves Saul

¹⁴ But the Lord’s Spirit had gone out of Saul. And an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him.

¹⁵ Saul’s servants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is troubling you. ¹⁶ Give us the command. We will look for someone who can play the harp. When the evil spirit from the Lord enters you, he will play. Then the evil spirit will leave you alone. And you will feel better.”

¹⁷ So Saul said to his servants, “Find someone. If he plays well, bring him to me.”

¹⁸ One of the servants said, “Jesse of Bethlehem has a son who plays the harp. I have seen him play it. He is a brave man and fights well. He is a good speaker and handsome. And the Lord is with him.”

¹⁹ Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse. The message said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” ²⁰ So Jesse loaded a donkey with bread and a leather bag full of wine. He also took a young goat. He sent them all with his son David to Saul.

²¹ When David came to Saul, he began to serve him. Saul loved David very much. And David became the officer who carried Saul’s armor. ²² Saul sent a message to Jesse. He said, “Let David stay and serve me. I like him.”

²³ When the evil spirit from God entered Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then the evil spirit would go out of him. And Saul would feel relief. He would feel better again.