1 Samuel 16:16-23 NASB

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 16:20

Took an ass laden with bread - He must send a present to Saul to introduce his son, and this was probably the best he had. Dr. Warburton pleads still farther on the propriety of his rectification of the chronology in this place. David had at this time vanquished the Philistine, was become a favourite with the people, had excited Saul's jealousy, and retired to shun its effects. In the interim Saul was seized with the disorder in question, and is recommended by his servants to try... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 16:23

The evil spirit from God - The word evil is not in the common Hebrew text, but it is in the Vulgate, Septuagint, Targum, Syriac, and Arabic, and in eight of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS., which present the text thus: רעה אלהים רוח ruach Elohim raah , spiritus Domini malus , the evil spirit of God. The Septuagint leave out Θεου , of God, and have πνευμα πονηρον , the evil spirit. The Targum says, The evil spirit from before the Lord; and the Arabic has it. The evil spirit... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:14-23

Disquietude caused by sin. The facts are— 1 . Saul, being left to himself, is troubled by an evil spirit from the Lord. 2 . His servants, in their concern for his peace, suggest music as an alleviation, and obtain permission to provide it. 3 . David, being famed for music, is sent for, and finds favour with Saul. 4 . The music of David brings relief to Saul's troubled spirit. The narrative relates the effect of God's judicial abandonment of Saul to the impenitent spirit he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:16-18

A cunning player on an harp. Literally, one skilful in striking the chords on the harp. In Saul's case music would have a soothing influence, and turn the current of his thoughts. His officers suggest, therefore, that search should be made for an expert musician, and Saul consents; whereupon one of the servants recommended the son of Jesse. The word used here is not the same as that found in 1 Samuel 16:15 , 1 Samuel 16:16 , 1 Samuel 16:17 . There we have Saul's officers ; here... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:19-20

Saul sent messengers to fetch David, the description of him as a brave soldier being even more to the king's liking (see 1 Samuel 14:52 ) than his skill in music. As a great man might not be approached without a present ( 1 Samuel 9:7 ; 1 Samuel 10:4 ), Jesse sends one consisting of produce from his farm. It consisted of an ass of bread —a strange expression; but there is little doubt that a word has been omitted, and that we should read, with the Syriac, "And Jesse took an ass, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:21-23

David came to Saul, and stood before him. The latter phrase means, "became one of his regular attendants." This, and his being appointed one of Saul's armour bearers, happened only after the lapse of some time. The armour bearer, like the esquire in the middle ages, had to carry his lord's lance, and sword, and shield, and was always a tried soldier, and one whom the king trusted. It was apparently after the combat with Goliath that Saul sent to Jesse, and asked that David might be always... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:23

The king and the minstrel. I. THE COMPLICATION OF MENTAL AND MORAL DISORDER . Saul was the victim of cerebral disease, but not an innocent victim. His unhingement of mind was due in large measure to causes for which he was morally responsible. The expression, "an evil spirit from the Lord was upon him," is just an Old Testament way of saying that the state into which he fell, as a result mainly of his own misconduct, bore the character of a Divine retribution. From the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 16:16

The medicinal effects of music on the mind and body, especially as appeasing anger, and soothing and pacifying a troubled spirit, are well known. It is deeply interesting to have the youthful David thus brought before us, as using music for its highest purpose, that of turning the soul to the harmony of peace and love. We may infer that some of his Psalms, such e. g. as Psalms 23:1-6, were already composed. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 16:18

A mighty valiant man ... - David’s reputation for courage, skill, discretion, and manly beauty, was already great. Since “the Spirit of the Lord came upon him,” his natural qualities and powers had been greatly enhanced. His feat of killing the lion and the bear (see the marginal references) had been performed, like Samson’s feats of strength Judges 14:6, Judges 14:19; Judges 15:14, under the same supernatural influence, and was probably more or less known. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 16:21

The difficulty of reconciling this verse with 1 Samuel 17:55-58, is met thus: The words here are the ultimate sequence of David’s first visit to Saul, and of his skill in music, and are therefore placed here; but they did not really come to pass until after David’s victory over Goliath (see 1 Samuel 18:2). It is quite conceivable that if David had only played once or twice to Saul, and then returned to his father’s house for some months, Saul might not recognize him. read more

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 16:20

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 16:23

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:14-23

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:16-18

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:19-20

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:21-23

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 16:23

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 16:16

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 16:18

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 16:21

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