And Saul commanded his servants, "Find me someone who plays well, and bring him to me." And Saul saidThis phrase introduces us to King Saul, the first king of Israel, who was chosen by God but later rejected due to his disobedience. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which is a common verb used throughout the Old Testament to denote speech or command. Saul's authority as king is evident here, as he issues a directive to his servants. Historically, Saul's reign was marked by turmoil and his eventual mental distress, which sets the stage for the events in this chapter. to his servants
The term "servants" in Hebrew is "עֲבָדִים" (avadim), which can refer to attendants, officials, or those who serve in a royal court. In the context of ancient Israel, these servants would have been trusted individuals who carried out the king's orders. This highlights the hierarchical structure of Saul's court and the reliance on his inner circle to fulfill his needs. Find me someone
The Hebrew verb "רָאָה" (ra'ah) is used here, meaning "to see" or "to find." Saul's request is urgent and specific, indicating his need for immediate relief from his distress. This search for a musician is not just a casual request but a mission to find someone with a particular skill set that could provide solace to the troubled king. who plays well
The phrase "plays well" refers to musical skill, specifically the ability to play the lyre, an ancient stringed instrument. The Hebrew word "נָגַן" (nagan) means "to play" or "to make music." Music held significant cultural and spiritual importance in ancient Israel, often used in worship and to soothe the soul. Saul's request underscores the therapeutic power of music, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible. and bring him to me
This command reflects Saul's desperation for relief and his willingness to bring someone into his presence who could provide comfort. The Hebrew verb "בּוֹא" (bo) means "to come" or "to bring," indicating an action that requires initiative and effort. This phrase also foreshadows the introduction of David, who would not only play music for Saul but eventually become a central figure in Israel's history. Persons / Places / Events 1. SaulThe first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. At this point in the account, Saul is troubled by an evil spirit and seeks relief through music. 2. Servants of SaulThese are the attendants or officials serving King Saul. They are tasked with finding a skilled musician to soothe Saul's troubled spirit. 3. David (implied)Although not mentioned directly in this verse, David is the young shepherd who is eventually brought to Saul. He is anointed by Samuel earlier in the chapter and becomes a key figure in Saul's court. 4. GibeahSaul's residence and the location where these events take place. It serves as the backdrop for Saul's reign and his interactions with David. 5. Music as a Healing ToolThe event highlights the use of music to provide relief from spiritual and emotional distress, a practice that has historical and biblical significance. Teaching Points The Power of MusicMusic can be a divine tool for healing and comfort. Just as David's harp playing brought relief to Saul, music can be used today to soothe troubled hearts and minds. God's Sovereignty in PreparationGod prepares and positions His servants for His purposes. David's musical talent and his anointing by Samuel were part of God's plan to bring him into Saul's court. Spiritual DiscernmentSaul's need for relief from an evil spirit underscores the importance of spiritual discernment and seeking God's presence in times of distress. Service and HumilityDavid's willingness to serve Saul, despite being anointed as the future king, teaches us about humility and serving others even when we are called to greater things. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the introduction of David to Saul's court demonstrate God's providence in preparing David for his future role as king? 2. In what ways can music be used in your own life to bring peace and comfort during times of distress? 3. How does David's service to Saul reflect the biblical principle of humility and servanthood, and how can you apply this in your own life? 4. What can we learn from Saul's reliance on music for relief about the importance of seeking God's presence in our struggles? 5. How does the account of David and Saul in 1 Samuel 16 connect with the New Testament teachings on using spiritual gifts for the edification of others? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16:14-23This passage provides the broader context of Saul's distress and David's introduction to the royal court as a musician. Psalm 23Written by David, this psalm reflects his deep relationship with God, which may have influenced his ability to bring peace through music. Ephesians 5:19This New Testament verse encourages believers to speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, highlighting the continued importance of music in spiritual life. People Abinadab, David, Eliab, Jesse, Samuel, Saul, ShammahPlaces Bethlehem, Gibeah, RamahTopics Attendants, Bring, Expert, Play, Player, Playing, Plays, Provide, Saul, Servants, SomeoneDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 16:14-20 4548 wineskin 1 Samuel 16:14-23 5537 sleeplessness 1 Samuel 16:15-18 5422 musicians 1 Samuel 16:16-18 5387 leisure, pastimes 1 Samuel 16:17-23 5086 David, rise of Library The Shepherd-King
'And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt them mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel! fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided Me a king among his sons. 2. And Samuel said, How can I go? If Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. 3. And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Call of David.
"So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone."--1 Samuel xvii. 50. These words, which are taken from the chapter which you heard read just now in the course of the Service[1], declare the victory which David, the man after God's own heart, gained over Goliath, who came out of the army of the Philistines to defy the Living God; and they declare the manner of his gaining it. He gained it with a sling and with a stone; that is, by means, which to man might seem weak and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Of the Joy of a Good Conscience
The testimony of a good conscience is the glory of a good man. Have a good conscience and thou shalt ever have joy. A good conscience is able to bear exceeding much, and is exceeding joyful in the midst of adversities; an evil conscience is ever fearful and unquiet. Thou shalt rest sweetly if thy heart condemn thee not. Never rejoice unless when thou hast done well. The wicked have never true joy, nor feel internal peace, for there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.(1) And if they say …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Early Days
The life of David is naturally divided into epochs, of which we may avail ourselves for the more ready arrangement of our material. These are--his early years up to his escape from the court of Saul, his exile, the prosperous beginning of his reign, his sin and penitence, his flight before Absalom's rebellion, and the darkened end. We have but faint incidental traces of his life up to his anointing by Samuel, with which the narrative in the historical books opens. But perhaps the fact that the story …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David And He had Also this Favour Granted Him. ...
66. And he had also this favour granted him. For as he was sitting alone on the mountain, if ever he was in perplexity in his meditations, this was revealed to him by Providence in prayer. And the happy man, as it is written, was taught of God [1112] . After this, when he once had a discussion with certain men who had come to him concerning the state of the soul and of what nature its place will be after this life, the following night one from above called him, saying, Antony, rise, go out and look.' …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon then hath the light shined. C ontrasts are suited to illustrate and strengthen the impression of each other. The happiness of those, who by faith in MESSIAH, are brought into a state of peace, liberty, and comfort, is greatly enhanced and heightened by the consideration of that previous state of misery in which they once lived, and of the greater misery to which they were justly exposed. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Christ Crowned, the Fact
"When God sought a King for His people of old, He went to the fields to find him; A shepherd was he, with his crook and his lute And a following flock behind him. "O love of the sheep, O joy of the lute, And the sling and the stone for battle; A shepherd was King, the giant was naught, And the enemy driven like cattle. "When God looked to tell of His good will to men, And the Shepherd-King's son whom He gave them; To shepherds, made meek a-caring for sheep, He told of a Christ sent to save them. …
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation The Christian's Book
Scripture references 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; John 5:39; Romans 15:4; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70; 24:32,45; John 2:22; 10:35; 19:36; Acts 1:16; Romans 1:1,2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; James 2:8. WHAT IS THE BIBLE? What is the Bible? How shall we regard it? Where shall we place it? These and many questions like them at once come to the front when we begin to discuss the Bible as a book. It is only possible in this brief study, of a great subject, to indicate the line of some of the answers. …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 16:17 NIV1 Samuel 16:17 NLT1 Samuel 16:17 ESV1 Samuel 16:17 NASB1 Samuel 16:17 KJV
1 Samuel 16:17 Commentaries
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