So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him. (verse 23)
Message: David's Ministry to Saul
Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).
What the Lord is Saying: In the last lesson or the first part of Chapter 16, the next king is chosen or set apart for the purpose of God's conduit for Him to work. This person will be David, chosen by God, a man after his heart. Not one that is chosen because of outward appearance or stature, but because of something God sees - the heart of a man.
In this passage of Chapter 16, there seems to be a struggle or journey of Samuel. This book has been about him and God working through Him. He is a sort of a mentor or teacher, not necessarily the focal point though. God uses Samuel to anoint Saul, but now David. In the last lesson he grieved over Saul (verse 1).
Today's passage begins with some startling words, "an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him (Saul) (verse 14)." David is now anointed. Saul is not. God allows an evil spirit to enter into Saul, to stir up in him unruly emotions - envy, rage, despair. Similar words are in Romans 1:24 when Paul says, "God gave them over." Saul was selfish and not thinking first and foremost of the Lord in his life and ways and instead himself. So God allows evil to overtake him. The Spirit of the Lord was with him but now it has departed.
In verse 16, with the playing of the harp "you will be well." Interesting how there is a medicinal way of music in helping us. I love this. I love music and it helps me all of the time, calming me, relaxing me and giving me joy. I am so thankful for music that is played to express love for God. It seems like it has always had this effect on us as I watch movies of times past. Throughout scripture David speaks of a new song being played. Interesting that God chose in David to play music in order to remove the evil spirit. Saul knows he need this (v.17) and wants David to be located (v.18). Saul loves David (v. 21) and it is the music that has the evil spirit depart from Saul (v. 23).
Saul continues to be king. David is the king in waiting and for now serves in Saul's court.
Summary: David has been chosen, but for now he will play his harp, making Saul well in his court, after being terrorized by an evil spirit that God allows.
Promise: From Tabletalk - "God controls even those things that can harm us and we can be confident that He can work them for our final good."
Prayer: Lord, I am so thankful for music. It is a big part of my life and I know as it has been said that music has a way communicating to us like nothing else. It soothes me and helps me very often and gives me a good feeling. With music by my side, I often feel like whatever work I am doing it can help me get through it.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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