David Serves Saul and Eases His Torment
1 Samuel 16:14-23
1 S.16.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ורוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- סרה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מעם: PREP
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובעתתו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מאת: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 18:10 (verbal): Uses the same language—'an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul'—and describes the recurring torment of Saul while David plays to soothe him.
- 1 Samuel 19:9 (verbal): A repeat occurrence: an 'evil spirit from the LORD' comes upon Saul again as David plays, reinforcing the motif of divine-sent torment.
- Psalm 51:11 (thematic): Appeals to the reversal of divine presence—'do not take your Holy Spirit from me'—echoing the theological problem of the LORD's Spirit departing from an individual.
- 1 Kings 22:21-23 (thematic): Describes a spirit sent by God (a 'lying spirit') to influence prophets and events; parallels the motif of God as agent in sending malignant or controlling spirits for divine purposes.
- Judges 9:23 (thematic): Explicit example where 'God sent an evil spirit' to sow discord between leaders, paralleling the idea of God dispatching an evil/bad spirit to bring about conflict or punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from God troubled him.
- The Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.
1 S.16.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- עבדי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- נא: PART
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מבעתך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam 16:14 (verbal): Immediate context: explicitly states that the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul and that an 'evil spirit from the LORD' troubled him—the same phenomenon described in v.15.
- 1 Sam 18:10 (verbal): Recurrent report that 'an evil spirit from God' came upon Saul the next day, using the same language to describe Saul's torment and its effects on his behavior toward David.
- 1 Sam 19:9 (verbal): Another narrative repetition: 'an evil spirit from the LORD was upon Saul,' underscoring the ongoing distressing spirit afflicting Saul.
- Judg 9:23 (thematic): Reports that God 'sent an evil spirit' between Abimelech and the men of Shechem—parallels the motif of God sending or permitting a harmful spirit to bring conflict or judgment.
- 1 Kgs 22:21-23 (thematic): Describes a heavenly being allowing a 'lying spirit' to enter the mouths of prophets to deceive Ahab—a related theological motif of God sovereignly using/spurring spiritual agents to influence human action.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Saul's servants said to him, "Behold now, an evil spirit of God is troubling you.
- And Saul's servants said to him, 'Behold now, an evil spirit from the LORD is troubling you.'
1 S.16.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יאמר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- אדננו: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עבדיך: NOUN,m,pl,abs,2ms
- לפניך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- יבקשו: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מנגן: VERB,piel,ptc,ms,sg
- בכנור: PREP
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בהיות: PREP+VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,sg
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ונגן: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- וטוב: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 16:14 (verbal): Same narrative clause that the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him — the immediate theological circumstance prompting the request for a musician.
- 1 Samuel 16:23 (verbal): Direct parallel/result: David plays the harp when the evil spirit is upon Saul, and Saul is refreshed — repeats the proposal of 16:16 and records its fulfillment.
- 1 Samuel 18:10-11 (verbal): A later recounting of the same phenomenon: an evil spirit from God comes upon Saul and David plays, indicating the episode recurs or is re-narrated with similar wording and effect.
- 1 Samuel 19:9-10 (thematic): Another instance where 'an evil spirit from the LORD' seizes Saul — thematically related by the recurring motif of divine departure/troubling and its disruptive effects on Saul's behavior.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let our lord now command his servants to seek for you a man who knows how to play on the lyre; and it shall be, when the evil spirit of God is upon you, that he shall play with his hand and you shall be relieved."
- They said, 'Let our lord now command your servants before you to seek out a man who is skillful in playing the harp; and when the evil spirit from the LORD is upon you, he will play with his hand, and you will find relief.'
1 S.16.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- ראו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- נא: PART
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מיטיב: ADJ,m,sg
- לנגן: INF,qal
- והביאותם: VERB,hif,imp,2,m,pl+3mpobj
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- 1 Sam 16:18 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation identifying the young man (David) as skilled in playing and serving—explains who the requested musician will be.
- 1 Sam 16:21–23 (verbal): Direct fulfillment of the request: David is brought to Saul, plays the harp, and his music soothes Saul when an evil spirit troubles him.
- 1 Sam 18:10–11 (thematic): A later recurrence of the same motif: Saul is again troubled by an evil spirit while David plays, and Saul reacts violently (throws a spear), linking music to Saul’s episodes.
- 1 Sam 19:9–10 (thematic): Continues the pattern of David playing for Saul amid the king’s tormented episodes; here Saul’s hostility leads him to attempt to pin/kill David with a spear despite David’s musical service.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Saul said to his servants, "Seek out now a man who plays well, and bring him to me."
- Saul said to his servants, 'See now, find me a man who plays well, and bring him to me.'
1 S.16.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- מהנערים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הנה: PART
- ראיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לישי: PREP+NOUN,prop,sg,m,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הלחמי: ADJ,ms,sg,def
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נגן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וגבור: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ונבון: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואיש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תאר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויהוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 16:13 (verbal): After Samuel anoints David, 'the Spirit of the LORD came upon David'—paralleling the claim here that 'the LORD is with him' as the basis for David's success and presence of God's favor.
- 1 Samuel 16:19 (verbal): Reports that David 'became a servant to Saul, and played music'—directly parallel to this verse's description of David as skilled in playing and brought to Saul's court.
- 1 Samuel 17:37 (thematic): David's declaration that the LORD who delivered him from the lion and bear will deliver him from Goliath echoes the present verse's emphasis on David's martial courage and the LORD's presence with him.
- 1 Samuel 18:14 (verbal): States that 'David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him,' a direct restatement of the theme here linking David's competence, favor, and God's presence.
- Acts 13:22 (quotation): God's summary 'I have found David... a man after my heart' reflects the New Testament assessment of David's character and divine favor, resonating with the portrait of skill, wisdom, and God's presence in 1 Sam 16:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- One of the young men answered and said, "Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who knows how to play, and is mighty in strength and a man of war, prudent in speech, of good appearance, and the LORD is with him."
- One of the young men answered, 'Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, skillful in music, a valiant man, a warrior, prudent in speech, handsome—and the LORD is with him.'
1 S.16.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלאכים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שלחה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנך: NOUN,m,sg,cstr+poss,2,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בצאן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.16.11 (verbal): Same scene of Jesse’s sons and the Lord’s instruction that the youngest is keeping the sheep and must be sent/ fetched—language and action (’send/get him’) closely parallel.
- 1 Sam.16.21 (structural): Immediate narrative outcome: David comes to Saul and enters his service (harpist/armor‑bearer). This verse completes the action begun in 16:19.
- 1 Sam.18.5 (thematic): Describes David’s rapid integration into Saul’s household and advancement (placed over the men), reflecting the long‑term consequence of Saul’s summons of the shepherd boy.
- Ps.78.70-72 (thematic): Retells the motif of God choosing David from tending sheep to lead Israel—emphasizes the shepherd‑to‑leader theme implicit in Saul sending for David.
- Acts 13:22 (quotation): New Testament citation/allusion to God’s selection of David (’a man after my own heart’), linking the motif of God’s choice of Jesse’s son who was tending sheep to his royal role.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, "Send me David your son, who is with the sheep."
- So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, 'Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.'
1 S.16.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- חמור: PNOUN,m,sg
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונאד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וגדי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עזים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.16.21 (structural): Immediate continuation: David goes to Saul and enters his service — the same sending/action continued in the next verse.
- 1 Sam.17.17-18 (verbal): Jesse sends David to the battle with provisions (ten loaves, cheeses) — closely parallels sending a son with bread and foodstuffs.
- 1 Sam.25.18 (thematic): Abigail hastens to bring bread, wine and provisions to David to appease him — similar motif of supplying food and wine to David.
- 1 Sam.30.11-12 (thematic): An Egyptian servant gives David and his men bread and a skin of wine when they are faint — parallels the delivery of food and wine to David.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jesse took a donkey, bread, a skin of wine, and a kid, and sent them by the hand of David his son to Saul.
- Jesse took a donkey, bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat, and sent them by David his son to Saul.
1 S.16.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאהבהו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- מאד: ADV
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- נשא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam 16:22 (structural): Immediate continuation: David plays the lyre before Saul, soothing him, which explains why Saul kept him in his service.
- 1 Sam 18:1-5 (thematic): David gains intimate favor and official promotion—Jonathan loves him, gives him his robe and armor, and Saul sets him over the men of war, developing the relationship begun when David entered Saul's service.
- 1 Sam 14:6-7 (allusion): Jonathan and his armor-bearer act as a close attendant and combat companion; parallels the role and function of an armor-bearer in the royal/military household.
- Gen 41:38-44 (thematic): Joseph's rise from servant to second-in-command in Pharaoh's court echoes the motif of a young, gifted man entering royal service and gaining the ruler's favor and authority.
Alternative generated candidates
- David came to Saul and stood before him, and Saul loved him greatly; and he became his attendant.
- David came to Saul and stood before him; and Saul loved him greatly, and David became his attendant.
1 S.16.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- יעמד: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- נא: PART
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- כי: CONJ
- מצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Sam.16.21 (verbal): Immediate context: the same episode — David is brought into Saul's service and stands before the king, explaining why Saul sent for him.
- 1 Sam.18.5 (thematic): A later development of the same theme: Saul sets David over the men of war because of his success and favor, showing how David’s standing before Saul leads to promotion.
- 1 Sam.17.55-58 (structural): After David’s victory over Goliath Saul inquires whose son he is and sends for him — a parallel scene of the king summoning David to court.
- Acts 13.22 (quotation): Paul (quoting the divine verdict through Samuel) declares God found David son of Jesse ‘a man after my own heart,’ linking the motif of God‑and‑human favor that explains David’s reception at court.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, "Let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my eyes."
- And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, 'Let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my eyes.'
1 S.16.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- בהיות: PREP+VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,sg
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- שאול: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולקח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הכנור: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ונגן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בידו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- ורוח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- וטוב: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- וסרה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- מעליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- רוח: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הרעה: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 16:14 (verbal): Immediate context: states that the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul and an 'evil spirit from the LORD' troubled him—this clause provides the reason David's music is employed and explains the 'evil spirit' language echoed in 16:23.
- 1 Samuel 18:10-11 (structural): A repeated narrative pattern: an evil/spirit disturbance afflicts Saul and David plays the harp; the scene echoes 16:23 and shows the recurrence of music calming or accompanying Saul’s spiritual episodes.
- 1 Samuel 19:9-10 (structural): Another closely related episode where an evil spirit troubles Saul while David is involved with music; reinforces the motif of David’s harp-playing intersecting with Saul’s tormented condition.
- Judges 9:23 (verbal): Uses similar language—'God sent an evil spirit'—demonstrating the biblical motif of God permitting or sending an upsetting spirit in judgment/contest, which parallels the phrasing and theological concept found in 1 Sam 16:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass that whenever the Spirit of God was on Saul, David would take the lyre and play with his hand; then a spirit would come upon Saul and he would be relieved, and the evil spirit would depart from him.
- And whenever the Spirit of God was upon Saul, David would take the harp and play with his hand; then Saul would be soothed and find relief, and the evil spirit would depart from him.
And the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him. And Saul's servants said to him, 'Behold, now an evil spirit from the LORD is troubling you.'
They said, 'Let our lord now command your servants to seek out a man skillful on the lyre; and it shall be, when the evil spirit from the LORD is upon you, he will play with his hand, and you will be relieved.'
Saul said to his servants, 'Look for me a man who plays well, and bring him to me.'
One of the young men answered, 'Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is skillful at music, a valiant man and a warrior, prudent in speech, handsome in appearance, and the LORD is with him.' So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, 'Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.'
Jesse took a donkey, bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat, and sent them by David his son to Saul.
David came to Saul and stood before him; and Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer.
Saul sent word to Jesse, 'Let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.' And whenever the Spirit of the LORD was upon Saul, David would take the lyre and play with his hand; then Saul would be refreshed and feel better, and the evil spirit would depart from him.