Study is based on Charles R. Swindoll’s “David – A Man After God’s Own Heart”

David in Saul’s Service 14 Now the Spirit of the L ORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the L ORD tormented him. 15 Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.” 17 So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.” 18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the L ORD is with him.” 19 Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” 20 So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul. 21 David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.” 23 Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

Saul’s torment was the direct result of two actions by God: 1. Departure of the Lord’s Spirit due to continuous disobedience that led to rebellion. 2. Terror of an Evil Spirit (terror - Hebrew word baath which means to fall upon, startle, overwhelm): By removing His Spirit, Saul become open game for Satan Saul’s remedy? The anointed music of David. David’s qualifications and skills were known to Saul’s servants : Skillful Musician Man of Valor A Warrior Prudent in Speech Handsome The Spirit is with him Unknown to both Saul and David, David was on his way to the palace to learn to become a king. Upon meeting the King’s need for tranquility, David found favor with King Saul. Music for a Hard Heart

The Ministry of Music David would play his lyre(harp) whenever Saul writhed in his madness, ministering Saul’s soul into tranquility. Music is such a powerful tool, that it can unleash caged feelings, entrap our spirits, and enhance or hinder our spiritual growth. It is up to us to screen what we listen to and our responsibility to channel the power of music to minister and not impede our spiritual growth. The wrong message in music can lead one astray and harden a heart once tender towards Christ. Additional Scripture on Music: 2 Chronicles 5:11-14 Psalm 40: 3, 119:54, 150 Colossians 3:16

Conclusion: 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. (biblehub.com/1_samuel/16-14.htm)