22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, "Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him."

Other Translations of 1 Samuel 16:22

King James Version

22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.

English Standard Version

22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, "Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight."

The Message

22 Saul sent word back to Jesse: "Thank you. David will stay here. He's just the one I was looking for. I'm very impressed by him."

New King James Version

22 Then Saul sent to Jesse, saying, "Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight."

New Living Translation

22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse asking, "Please let David remain in my service, for I am very pleased with him."

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:22

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.