1 Samuel 16 23

1 Samuel 16:23 kjv

And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

1 Samuel 16:23 nkjv

And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.

1 Samuel 16:23 niv

Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

1 Samuel 16:23 esv

And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.

1 Samuel 16:23 nlt

And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away.

1 Samuel 16 verses

1 Samuel 16 23 Meaning

This verse describes the recurring therapeutic effect of David's music on King Saul. Whenever a spirit from God distressed Saul, David, skilled in playing the harp, would use his gift. His playing brought immediate relief to Saul, causing him to feel refreshed and well, and prompting the distressing spirit to depart. It illustrates God's sovereign hand in using David's divinely enabled talent to provide temporary respite for the afflicted king.

1 Samuel 16 23 Context

Chapter 16 of 1 Samuel marks a pivotal transition in Israel's leadership. Having rejected King Saul for his disobedience (1 Sam 15), the Lord sends Samuel to anoint David, a humble shepherd, as the next king (1 Sam 16:1-13). Following this, a dramatic spiritual shift occurs: the Spirit of the Lord departs from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubles him (1 Sam 16:14). Saul's servants suggest finding a skillful musician to soothe him. David, known for his musical talent, bravery, wisdom, and the Lord's presence with him, is recommended and brought into Saul's court. Verse 23 details how David's divinely inspired music would bring temporary relief to Saul whenever the tormenting spirit afflicted him, showcasing David's emerging role as a key figure in the kingdom and the stark spiritual contrast between the two kings.

1 Samuel 16 23 Word analysis

• And so it was, whenever: This phrase indicates a recurring, established pattern or condition, emphasizing the frequency of Saul's distress and David's subsequent musical intervention.
• the spirit from God: (Hebrew: ha-ruach Elohim) Refers to a spirit divinely permitted or sent by God, which, in Saul's case, brought torment. This highlights God's sovereignty over all spiritual forces, even those that cause distress, using them for His purposes, such as judgment for disobedience. It connects directly to 1 Sam 16:14 where the "distressing spirit from the LORD" began to trouble Saul after God's Spirit departed from him.
• was upon Saul: Implies a powerful, overwhelming influence or affliction directly experienced by Saul.
• that David would take the harp: (Hebrew: kinnor) The kinnor was a lyre or harp, a stringed instrument commonly used in ancient Israel for praise, prophecy, and indeed, for soothing troubled spirits. David, later known as the "sweet psalmist of Israel," was highly skilled.
• and play it with his hand: Emphasizes David's direct, personal, and skillful involvement. This was not a passive act but an active ministration.
• Then Saul would become refreshed: (Hebrew: ravaḥ) The root meaning suggests an expansion, relief, or a gaining of space, signifying a loosening from distress or constriction. It means to breathe freely, to be relieved and comforted from internal torment.
• and well: (Hebrew: tov) Meaning good, right, pleasing, healed, or wholesome. This word denotes a return to a state of well-being, both physically and psychologically, a brief restoration from his agitated state.
• and the distressing spirit: (Hebrew: ruach ha-ra'ah) Specifically identifies the tormenting, malevolent spirit. It’s the same entity from 1 Sam 16:14, showing that David's music specifically counteracted this oppressive influence.
• would depart from him: The departure signifies a temporary deliverance from the spirit's direct influence, not a permanent exorcism. This recurring departure points to the ongoing, unresolved spiritual condition of Saul's heart.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take the harp and play it": This sequence reveals divine action (spirit upon Saul), human response (David's musical skill), and God's chosen means (the harp). It's not David's skill alone, but skill combined with his being Spirit-filled (1 Sam 16:13), making him God's instrument for temporary relief.
• "Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him": This demonstrates the powerful, immediate, and positive spiritual effect of Spirit-anointed ministry. The relief was complete at the moment but temporary, pointing to Saul's persistent unrepentant heart, which no amount of music could truly heal.

1 Samuel 16 23 Bonus section

• The Nature of the "Distressing Spirit": The term "spirit from God" or "distressing spirit from the LORD" signifies that this affliction, while malevolent in its effects, was under God's ultimate permission and served His sovereign purpose of judgment on Saul for his unfaithfulness. It wasn't an independent, rogue evil, but rather an agent operating within the boundaries of divine will, differentiating it from an autonomous demonic entity outside of God's control.
• Music as a Spiritual Conduit: This verse highlights how music, particularly when used by one anointed by God's Spirit, can transcend mere entertainment to become a potent spiritual force. It suggests that certain sounds or melodies can carry divine influence, capable of affecting the spiritual atmosphere and bringing comfort or dispelling darkness. This principle is echoed throughout Scripture where music is used in worship, prophecy, and warfare.
• David as a Type of Christ: In this scene, David, empowered by the Spirit, brings peace and deliverance from an oppressive spirit to the suffering king. This act, though temporary in its efficacy for Saul, foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate King who casts out evil spirits by His word, brings complete healing, and offers lasting peace to those oppressed by spiritual darkness and the burden of sin.
• Contrast in Spiritual State: The scene is a vivid theological contrast: Saul, deserted by God's Spirit due to rebellion, is tormented; David, filled with God's Spirit due to anointing, is able to minister healing and relief. This underscores that true spiritual power and effectiveness come from being aligned with and empowered by God.

1 Samuel 16 23 Commentary

1 Samuel 16:23 strikingly portrays the dynamic interplay of divine judgment, divine grace, and the spiritual power of music. Saul's affliction was not accidental; it was a distressing spirit permitted by God as a consequence of his disobedience and the departure of the Holy Spirit. In contrast, David, newly anointed and empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, became the human instrument through whom temporary comfort was ministered. David's harp playing was more than mere musical therapy; it was Spirit-enabled ministry. The melody brought not only psychological soothing but a supernatural relief, driving away the oppressive spirit, demonstrating God's sovereign control over evil forces. Yet, this relief was intermittent, underscoring that without true repentance and a right heart before God, lasting peace for Saul remained elusive. This account beautifully illustrates that God uses faithful and Spirit-empowered individuals, and even artistic expression, to exert His influence in a fallen world, providing a glimpse of His mercy even amidst judgment.