1 Samuel 16 16

1 Samuel 16:16 kjv

Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.

1 Samuel 16:16 nkjv

Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well."

1 Samuel 16:16 niv

Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better."

1 Samuel 16:16 esv

Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre, and when the harmful spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well."

1 Samuel 16:16 nlt

Let us find a good musician to play the harp whenever the tormenting spirit troubles you. He will play soothing music, and you will soon be well again."

1 Samuel 16 verses

1 Samuel 16 16 Meaning

This verse presents a proposed solution by Saul’s servants to alleviate the distressing fits of an "evil spirit from God" that afflicted King Saul. They suggest finding a skillful lyre player, whose music, they believe, will bring relief and calm whenever Saul is overcome by this vexing spirit. It signifies an early insight into the therapeutic power of music and sets the stage for David's entrance into the royal court, highlighting God's intricate orchestration of events even amidst human suffering.

1 Samuel 16 16 Context

Chapter 16 marks a pivotal transition in the narrative of Israel's monarchy. God has rejected Saul as king due to his disobedience (1 Sam 15). Consequently, the Spirit of the Lord departs from Saul, and an "evil spirit from God" (1 Sam 16:14) begins to torment him, leading to bouts of despair and distress. Simultaneously, the Lord sends Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint David, Jesse's youngest son, as the new king, filling him with the Spirit of the Lord. It is against this backdrop of Saul's declining mental state and God's sovereign anointing of David that Saul's servants offer this practical solution, unknowingly paving the way for David, the future king, to enter Saul's court. This historical period also reflects the belief that God had ultimate authority over all spirits and circumstances.

1 Samuel 16 16 Word analysis

• Let our lord now command: A formal, deferential plea from servants to a king. It demonstrates respect and a recognition of the king's authority, typical of ancient Near Eastern courtly address.
• your servants: Identifies the speakers in a humble and submissive manner, implying loyalty and readiness to obey. This humble address is a staple in hierarchical interactions.
• who are before you: Implies physical presence in the royal court, accessible to the king, and ready to offer counsel or service.
• to seek out: (Hebrew: בָּקַשׁ, baqash) – To earnestly look for, to request, or to inquire carefully. It suggests a deliberate effort to find the right person for a specific task.
• a man who is skillful: Implies competence and expertise. Not just any man, but one proficient in a specific art.
• in playing the lyre: (Hebrew: נֵגֵן בְּכִנּוֹר, nāgan bəkhinnowr) – `kinnowr` (כִּנּוֹר) refers to a type of stringed instrument, often translated as a lyre or harp, similar to modern zither-like instruments. It was commonly used in ancient Israel for worship, celebration, and lament. Its presence in temple rituals and prophetic contexts highlights its significance beyond mere entertainment, often linked to spiritual states.
• When the evil spirit from God is upon you: (Hebrew: ר֥וּחַ אֱלֹהִים֙ רָעָה֙, ruach 'Elohim ra'ah) –
  • `ruach 'Elohim` (רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים): "Spirit of God." In this context, the withdrawal of God's empowering Spirit (1 Sam 16:14) allowed for the influx of this "evil spirit" that God permitted or sent. It is essential to understand "evil" here not primarily as morally corrupting (like a demonic spirit inciting sin in the NT sense) but as a spirit that caused distress, vexation, or mental anguish to Saul, leading to what we might call periods of deep melancholic depression or violent outbursts. It was a troublesome spirit from the Lord, serving as an instrument of divine judgment/discipline on Saul for his disobedience.
  • `ra'ah` (רָעָה): This Hebrew word is multi-faceted, meaning bad, evil, harm, calamity, misery, or distress. Thus, ruach ra'ah can be translated as "a distressing spirit," "a troubling spirit," or "a spirit of misery" from God. It highlights God's sovereignty over all creation, even over the causes of human affliction and distress. God did not send sin to Saul, but He permitted a spirit of torment as part of His disciplinary process.
• he will play it: The direct action of the skilled musician. The sound of the kinnowr was believed to have calming properties.
• and you will be well: (Hebrew: וְטוֹב לָךְ, wəṭowb lāk) – Literally, "and it will be good for you." This signifies the desired outcome: relief, calm, comfort, or amelioration of the distress. It implies a temporary cessation of the painful symptoms caused by the spirit, bringing psychological and emotional relief to the afflicted king.

Words-group by Words-group analysis:

• "Let our lord now command your servants, who are before you": This phrase establishes the immediate royal court setting and the servant's position. It shows humility, reverence, and readiness to serve King Saul, offering practical advice within the existing power structure.
• "to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the lyre.": This part emphasizes the specific requirement: a professional musician. The kinnowr was integral to ancient Israelite culture, not only for entertainment but often connected to emotional expression and even spiritual preparation (e.g., Elisha calling for a harpist to induce prophetic anointing in 2 Kgs 3:15).
• "When the evil spirit from God is upon you, he will play it, and you will be well.": This critical part connects the source of Saul's distress (the ruach ra'ah) with the proposed solution (music) and its desired outcome (relief). It implicitly acknowledges divine agency even in Saul's torment and human resourcefulness in seeking relief within those bounds. The music serves as a temporal counter to the spirit's vexation, highlighting ancient understanding of music's therapeutic value.

1 Samuel 16 16 Bonus section

This verse foreshadows the vital role David will play in Saul's life, not just as a musician but eventually as his armor-bearer (1 Sam 16:21). The suggested solution by the servants positions David right in the king's presence, allowing for God's divine plan for succession to unfold. It demonstrates that God often uses human advice, ordinary skills, and common situations to orchestrate His extraordinary purposes. The music here represents more than just entertainment; it's an immediate means of divine comfort in human affliction, setting a theme that David himself, as a psalmist, would extensively explore. The incident highlights God's providential use of seemingly secular means (music therapy) for His sacred agenda (introducing His chosen king).

1 Samuel 16 16 Commentary

1 Samuel 16:16 is a remarkable verse for its conciseness yet profound implications. It portrays King Saul's deteriorating state under the influence of a spirit allowed by God, marking the consequences of divine judgment. The servants' solution, leveraging the therapeutic power of music, reveals an understanding that external stimuli can alleviate internal distress. This particular musical skill later becomes David's entry point into Saul's court, fulfilling God's plan to bring the divinely chosen successor closer to the reigning king. The passage subtly illustrates divine sovereignty; even the afflictions Saul endured, and the means of his temporary relief, were within God's overarching purpose. It’s not just about an instrument, but God's providential hand guiding circumstances for His greater kingdom plan, introducing His anointed.