When the servants saw that this counsel was pleasing in the eyes of Saul, one of them added: “Behold, I have seen the son of Isai, a skilful player, and a man fit for war, and prudent in his words, and a comely person.” Thereupon David was sent for, and Saul made him his armour-bearer. And whenever the evil spirit was upon Saul, David took his harp and played with his hand, and Saul was refreshed and better, for the evil spirit departed [1] from him.
COMMENTARY.
The Omniscience of God. He knows the mind and feelings of man. He knew David better than his own father knew him.
The Wisdom of God. It was by the guidance of Divine Providence that, on account of his musical talents, David was summoned to the court of the king, who naturally had no suspicion that the young shepherd was destined to be his successor. The simple youth, who was then about twenty years old, learnt at court the art of government and the duties of a king, and was thus prepared for his future position.
The Faithfulness of God. Almighty God, by choosing David of the tribe of Juda to be king, fulfilled that which He promised by the mouth of the dying Jacob, i. e. that there should be a sceptre in Juda, which should not depart from him till the Messias Himself came.
Obedience. Samuel was obedient to God, for though he was very sorry that Saul was rejected, he obeyed when commanded to anoint another king. David was obedient to his father. He did not murmur at the humble task set him by his father of guarding and feeding the flocks in the fields of Bethlehem.
The value of virtue. God rejected the proud Saul and chose the young and humble David to be his successor. Even David’s father, to whom Samuel had confided that one of his sons was chosen to be king, had not the remotest idea that David, the shepherd-boy, could be the chosen one. He had not even thought it worth while to mention his youngest son to the prophet, when he asked to see his sons. He said to himself: “God will be sure to have chosen one of my elder, fine, warlike sons.” But the eyes of God were fixed on the young, modest David, for He does not look to the appearance, but to the heart. David was pious, humble, steadfast, and pure; therefore God loved him, and chose him to be the shepherd of His people. Beauty, fine clothes, riches are nothing in the eyes of God; the only thing that is of value
- ↑ Departed. David, to the accompaniment of his harp, sang holy Psalms composed by himself. As Saul had not as yet entirely given himself over to the influence of the evil spirit, his mind was calmed and cheered by David’s sacred music and the consoling words of his songs and psalms.
