1 Samuel 16 22

1 Samuel 16:22 kjv

And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favor in my sight.

1 Samuel 16:22 nkjv

Then Saul sent to Jesse, saying, "Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight."

1 Samuel 16:22 niv

Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, "Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him."

1 Samuel 16:22 esv

And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, "Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight."

1 Samuel 16:22 nlt

Then Saul sent word to Jesse asking, "Please let David remain in my service, for I am very pleased with him."

1 Samuel 16 verses

1 Samuel 16 22 Meaning

This verse details King Saul's official request to Jesse, David's father, for David to remain in his royal service permanently. Saul's explicit reason is that David has "found favour" in his eyes, indicating that David's character, skills, and presence have pleased the king. This seemingly personal preference by Saul is, in truth, a pivotal moment orchestrated by divine providence, integrating God's chosen king into the very court of the reigning, but rejected, monarch.

1 Samuel 16 22 Context

Chapter 16 of 1 Samuel marks a pivotal shift in the narrative of Israel's monarchy. The Lord has rejected Saul as king due to his disobedience (1 Sam 15). Consequently, Samuel is sent to Bethlehem to anoint David, a shepherd boy, as the next king (1 Sam 16:1-13). Following David's anointing, the Spirit of the Lord departs from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubles him (1 Sam 16:14). To alleviate Saul's distress, his servants recommend finding a skilled harpist to soothe him. David is recommended, noted for his musical ability, bravery, discretion, handsome appearance, and, crucially, that "the LORD is with him" (1 Sam 16:18). Saul then sends for David, and David, having obtained his father's permission, arrives at Saul's court and immediately gains Saul's affection and becomes his armorbearer (1 Sam 16:19-21). Verse 22 then records Saul's official request to make David's service permanent, underscoring the deep favor David had already found. This sequence reveals God's unseen hand guiding events to bring His chosen king into the heart of the kingdom he is destined to rule.

1 Samuel 16 22 Word analysis

• And Saul sent to Jesse, saying: This initiates the formal request. The verb "sent" (Hebrew: וַיִּשְׁלַח, vayyišlaḥ, from שָׁלַח, shalach) indicates a formal dispatch, conveying the king's authority and decision. It's not a casual request but a command from the throne. The direct communication to Jesse underscores Jesse's status as head of the family, giving his permission for David's extended absence.
• Let David, I pray thee, stand before me:
  • stand before me (Hebrew: יַעֲמָד נָא דָוִד לְפָנַי, yaʿămad nā’ dāwīḏ ləfānay): The phrase "stand before" (עָמַד לְפָנֵי, ʿamad ləfānêy) signifies a position of attentive service, ministering, or being in constant attendance. It goes beyond a temporary engagement. In ancient Near Eastern courts, those who "stood before" a king were his most trusted and intimate attendants, advisers, or ministers (e.g., Joseph standing before Pharaoh, prophets standing before the Lord). This implies David is to become a regular fixture in Saul's entourage, holding a significant, continuous role, not merely a call for occasional musical therapy.
  • I pray thee (Hebrew: נָא, nā’): This is a particle of entreaty or mild request. While softening the command from a king, it nevertheless communicates Saul's strong desire, knowing Jesse is unlikely to refuse a royal directive.
• for he hath found favour in my sight:
  • found favour (Hebrew: כִּי־מָצָא חֵן, kî-māṣā’ ḥēn): This common biblical idiom, literally "found grace," indicates that David had endeared himself to Saul. It implies an affectionate regard and acceptance. This "favor" is what secures David's place in the court. While perceived as Saul's human appreciation, its true origin lies in divine providence. God was at work, ensuring David's integration into the royal family, even under the very king God had rejected. This phrase highlights the paradox: God's ultimate rejection of Saul coincides with Saul's human favor toward David, all serving God's larger redemptive plan.
  • in my sight (Hebrew: בְּעֵינַי, bəʿêynay): Emphasizes that this favor is perceived directly and personally by Saul. It is Saul's genuine positive assessment of David. Saul sees something appealing in David's character and presence, a discernment ironically put there by God, unbeknownst to Saul, to draw David closer.

1 Samuel 16 22 Bonus section

• Divine Catalyst: The "distressing spirit from the LORD" that troubled Saul (1 Sam 16:14) was the initial catalyst for David's entry into the court. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over all spirits and circumstances, using even Saul's affliction to bring His chosen king into position.
• Hidden Humility: David, freshly anointed as king of Israel by Samuel, humbly takes on the role of an attendant and musician. This is a subtle yet powerful foreshadowing of David's later character, and ultimately, of Christ, who, though divine, took the form of a servant.
• Preparing for Kingship: David's period as Saul's servant and armorbearer provided invaluable training. He learned court etiquette, state affairs, military strategy, and observed kingship from an intimate vantage point, even learning from Saul's failures. This apprenticeship, seemingly mundane, was part of God's strategic preparation for his future reign.

1 Samuel 16 22 Commentary

This concise verse carries profound significance. It marks the formal establishment of David within Saul's court, not merely as a temporary musician, but as a valued, permanent attendant and armorbearer. The explicit reason, "he hath found favour in my sight," while true from Saul's perspective, thinly veils God's orchestration. Saul, struggling with inner torment, is paradoxically drawn to David, the very man destined to replace him. This shows God working through human affection and need. David's early demonstration of character—musical skill, bravery, and discretion—combined with "the LORD is with him" (v. 18), made him indispensable to Saul. This stage of service prepared David for his future kingship, familiarizing him with court life, military command, and the challenges of leadership, even under a volatile ruler. It is a powerful illustration of divine providence, where seemingly ordinary circumstances or human preferences become critical stepping stones in God's unfolding purposes, ultimately for His glory.