1 Samuel 16 21

1 Samuel 16:21 kjv

And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.

1 Samuel 16:21 nkjv

So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armorbearer.

1 Samuel 16:21 niv

David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers.

1 Samuel 16:21 esv

And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer.

1 Samuel 16:21 nlt

So David went to Saul and began serving him. Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer.

1 Samuel 16 verses

1 Samuel 16 21 Meaning

David came into the presence of King Saul and took up a position of service. Saul developed a strong affection for David and, consequently, appointed him to the significant and trusted role of his personal armor-bearer. This event marked David's official entry into the royal court, a crucial step orchestrated by God for his future as king.

1 Samuel 16 21 Context

This verse follows King Saul's persistent torment by an evil spirit sent by the Lord, which left him distressed and raving. His servants suggested finding a skilled harpist to soothe him. One of the young men highly recommended David, highlighting his musical ability, valor, wisdom, good looks, and, most importantly, stating that "the LORD is with him" (1 Sam 16:18). This positive report led Saul to send for David, who had already been secretly anointed king by Samuel at the Lord's command, following Saul's rejection by God due to his disobedience. Thus, David's arrival at the palace is not coincidental but part of God's overarching plan to prepare his chosen king by placing him directly into the existing royal household, initially as a servant to the very king he was destined to replace.

1 Samuel 16 21 Word analysis

• And David came: David's arrival is presented as a straightforward event, yet it carries immense divine significance. It signifies the commencement of God's direct placement of His chosen king into the existing royal infrastructure. This was not a chance encounter but a fulfillment of divine purpose, directly after his anointing by Samuel (1 Sam 16:1-13) and the departure of the Spirit from Saul (1 Sam 16:14).
• to Saul: The object of David's arrival is King Saul, the reigning monarch, whom David is destined to supersede. This immediate proximity to the throne undercuts any potential for David to develop bitterness or isolation, instead placing him at the center of national life and affairs.
• and stood before him: This phrase denotes a posture of respect, readiness for service, and official presentation. David was formally brought into Saul's presence as an employee or subordinate. It was a position of humility and availability to the king, yet also one of immediate access.
• and he loved him greatly: The Hebrew word for "loved" is אָהֵב ('aheb), indicating deep affection. "Greatly" (מְאֹד - mĕ’ōd) intensifies this, suggesting a strong emotional attachment or admiration from Saul towards David. This "love" is ironic and profoundly significant. Saul, tormented by an evil spirit, finds comfort and relief in David’s presence and music. This immediate strong affection serves God's purpose, drawing David close to the king, giving him an uncontested entry into the royal court. This love, however, would later tragically twist into intense jealousy and hatred, revealing the volatile nature of Saul's spirit and highlighting God's overarching plan despite human fickleness.
• and he became his armor-bearer: The Hebrew phrase is נֹשֵׂא כְלִי (nose' keli), literally "one who carries weapons/vessels." This role was far more significant than a mere weapon-carrier; it was a highly trusted and intimate position. An armor-bearer was a personal attendant to the king, present in battle to carry weapons, assist, and even fight alongside him. Such a role demanded physical strength, courage, loyalty, and trustworthiness. This appointment placed David not just as a court musician but as a close military aide, giving him firsthand experience in military affairs and insights into the workings of the royal court and the king's personality—all crucial for his future reign. This elevation from shepherd to personal military attendant underscores God's meticulous preparation of David for leadership.

• "And David came to Saul and stood before him": This phrase describes the divine alignment of circumstances, bringing the future king directly into the household of the current king in a posture of immediate service and formal acceptance. It establishes the initial physical proximity and official relationship between the two key figures.
• "and he loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer": This group of words reveals a powerful progression. Saul's deep affection for David, divinely enabled, resulted in an immediate, significant promotion. The progression from musician (implied by previous verses) to a highly trusted military and personal aide indicates rapid advancement and high esteem, all directed by God to secure David's place within the king's inner circle. This seemingly personal bond established the pathway for David's training and ultimate ascendancy, illustrating God's strategic placement of His chosen one.

1 Samuel 16 21 Bonus section

• The Shepherd-King's Apprenticeship: David's journey from caring for sheep to becoming Saul's armor-bearer provided a vital, albeit unconventional, training ground for his future reign. He learned humility, strategic thinking in military contexts, and the complex dynamics of the royal court, all while serving the very man he was chosen to replace.
• The Irony of Saul's Affection: Saul's "great love" for David stands in stark contrast to his later obsessive hatred and attempts to kill him. This shift highlights the transient nature of human emotions versus the unchanging will of God. Saul's initial comfort in David's presence directly set the stage for the intense future conflict.
• Divine Timing and Opportunity: This verse exemplifies God's perfect timing. David's reputation (1 Sam 16:18) preceded him, combined with Saul's specific need for soothing music, created the ideal opening for David's introduction into the royal palace, not through force or political maneuvering, but through humble service.

1 Samuel 16 21 Commentary

1 Samuel 16:21 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, where David, divinely chosen and anointed, officially enters the court of King Saul. This verse encapsulates the seamless execution of God's providence, bringing David from the shepherd's field directly into the king's most intimate circles. Saul's intense affection for David was not merely a natural response to his musical talent but was divinely influenced to ensure David's rapid acceptance and integration. The role of "armor-bearer" was profoundly significant, signifying not just a servant, but a trusted military confidante and close personal aide to the king. This position gave David invaluable firsthand exposure to court life, military strategies, and the king's temperament, preparing him for the weighty responsibilities of future kingship. It showcases how God utilizes human affections and strategic positioning, even in seemingly ordinary events, to fulfill His grand redemptive plans, preparing His instruments for their ultimate purpose.