12 So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy , with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance . And the Lord said , " Arise , anoint him; for this is he." 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers ; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward . And Samuel arose and went to Ramah .
14 Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul , and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him. 15 Saul's servants then said to him, "Behold now , an evil spirit from God is terrorizing you. 16 "Let our lord now command your servants who are before you. Let them seek a man who is a skillful player on the harp ; and it shall come about when the evil spirit from God is on you, that he shall play the harp with his hand , and you will be well ." 17 So Saul said to his servants , "Provide for me now a man who can play well and bring him to me." 18 Then one of the young men said , "Behold , I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician , a mighty man of valor , a warrior , one prudent in speech , and a handsome man ; and the Lord is with him." 19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said , "Send me your son David who is with the flock ." 20 Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread and a jug of wine and a young goat , and sent them to Saul by David his son . 21 Then David came to Saul and attended him; and Saul loved him greatly , and he became his armor bearer . 22 Saul sent to Jesse , saying , "Let David now stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight ." 23 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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:12-23
Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:6-13
(Read 1 Samuel 16:6-13)
It was strange that Samuel, who had been so disappointed in Saul, whose countenance and stature recommended him, should judge of another man by that rule. We can tell how men look, but God can tell what they are. He judges of men by the heart. We often form a mistaken judgment of characters; but the Lord values only the faith, fear, and love, which are planted in the heart, beyond human discernment. And God does not favour our children according to our fond partiality, but often most honours and blesses those who have been least regarded. David at length was pitched upon. He was the youngest of the sons of Jesse; his name signifies Beloved; he was a type of God's beloved Son. It should seem, David was least set by of all the sons of Jesse. But the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. His anointing was not an empty ceremony, a Divine power went with that instituted sign; he found himself advanced in wisdom and courage, with all the qualifications of a prince, though not advanced in his outward circumstances. This would satisfy him that his election was of God. The best evidence of our being predestinated to the kingdom of glory, is, our being sealed with the Spirit of promise, and experience of a work of grace in our hearts.
Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:14-23
(Read 1 Samuel 16:14-23)
Saul is made a terror to himself. The Spirit of the Lord departed from him. If God and his grace do not rule us, sin and Satan will have possession of us. The devil, by the Divine permission, troubled and terrified Saul, by the corrupt humours of his body, and passions of his mind. He grew fretful, peevish, and discontented, and at times a madman. It is a pity that music, which may be serviceable to the good temper of the mind, should ever be abused, to support vanity and luxury, and made an occasion of drawing the heart from God and serious things. That is driving away the good Spirit, not the evil spirit. Music, diversions, company, or business, have for a time often been employed to quiet the wounded conscience; but nothing can effect a real cure but the blood of Christ, applied in faith, and the sanctifying Spirit sealing the pardon, by his holy comforts. All other plans to dispel religious melancholy are sure to add to distress, either in this world or the next.