One of the servants answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the harp. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior, eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him." One of the servants answeredIn the context of 1 Samuel 16, King Saul is troubled by an evil spirit, and his servants suggest finding someone who can play the harp to soothe him. This phrase indicates the proactive role of Saul's servants in seeking a solution. Servants in ancient Israel often held significant responsibilities and could influence decisions, as seen here. I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem
Jesse is introduced as the father of David, who is from Bethlehem. Bethlehem, a small town in Judah, is significant as the birthplace of David and later Jesus Christ, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's lineage (Micah 5:2). This connection underscores the importance of David's origins in biblical history. who knows how to play the harp
David's skill with the harp is highlighted, showing his musical talent. Music played a vital role in ancient Israelite culture, often used in worship and royal courts. David's ability to play the harp foreshadows his role in composing many of the Psalms, which are central to worship in both Jewish and Christian traditions. He is a mighty man of valor
This description of David emphasizes his bravery and strength, qualities that would later be demonstrated in his battle with Goliath (1 Samuel 17). The term "mighty man of valor" is often used in the Old Testament to describe warriors and leaders, indicating David's potential as a future king. a warrior
David's reputation as a warrior is established early, even before his famous encounter with Goliath. This characteristic is crucial for his future role as a military leader and king of Israel, who would expand and secure the nation's borders. eloquent and handsome
David's eloquence and appearance are noted, suggesting his ability to communicate effectively and his favorable presence. These traits would aid him in gaining favor with both God and people, as seen in his interactions with Saul, Jonathan, and the people of Israel. and the LORD is with him
This phrase is the most significant, indicating divine favor and presence with David. It echoes the biblical theme that true success and leadership come from God's presence and blessing. This divine endorsement sets David apart and foreshadows his anointing as king, aligning with the biblical narrative that God chooses leaders based on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). David's life and reign are often seen as a type of Christ, the ultimate anointed one, who would also be known for God's presence with Him (Matthew 1:23). Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe son of Jesse, described as skilled in music, a brave warrior, articulate, handsome, and most importantly, having the LORD with him. This verse marks the beginning of David's introduction to King Saul's court. 2. JesseDavid's father, from Bethlehem. Jesse is a significant figure as the patriarch of the family from which David, the future king, comes. 3. BethlehemA small town in Judah, known as the birthplace of David and later, Jesus Christ. It holds significant historical and theological importance. 4. Saul's ServantAn unnamed servant of King Saul who recommends David to the king. His observation and recommendation play a crucial role in David's introduction to the royal court. 5. King SaulThe first king of Israel, who is troubled by an evil spirit and seeks relief through music, leading to David's introduction to him. Teaching Points God's Preparation and TimingGod prepares individuals for His purposes long before they are called into action. David's skills and character were developed in obscurity before he was brought to Saul's attention. The Importance of CharacterDavid's attributes—bravery, eloquence, and appearance—are noted, but the most crucial aspect is that "the LORD is with him." Our character and relationship with God are paramount. Using Our Gifts for God's GloryDavid's musical talent was used to serve and bring relief to Saul. We should seek to use our God-given talents to serve others and glorify God. God's Presence as the Ultimate QualificationWhile David had many commendable qualities, the presence of the LORD with him was the ultimate qualification for his future role as king. Bible Study Questions 1. How does David's introduction to Saul's court demonstrate God's sovereignty and preparation in our lives? 2. In what ways can we cultivate a heart that is described as "the LORD is with him" in our daily walk with God? 3. How can we identify and use our talents and skills to serve others and glorify God, as David did with his musical ability? 4. What can we learn from David's character traits that are applicable to our personal and spiritual development? 5. How does the account of David's early life and introduction to Saul connect with the broader account of God's plan for Israel and the coming of Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 13:14This verse speaks of God seeking a man after His own heart, which is a reference to David. It connects to 1 Samuel 16:18 by highlighting David's spiritual qualifications. Psalm 78:70-72These verses describe God's choice of David as His servant, shepherding Israel with integrity and skill, reflecting the qualities mentioned in 1 Samuel 16:18. Acts 13:22This New Testament verse reiterates David as a man after God's own heart, emphasizing his importance in God's plan and his spiritual character. People Abinadab, David, Eliab, Jesse, Samuel, Saul, ShammahPlaces Bethlehem, Gibeah, RamahTopics Affairs, Answereth, Battle, Behold, Bethlehem, Bethlehemite, Beth-lehemite, Brave, Comely, Cunning, Expert, Fine-looking, Form, Handsome, Harp, Intelligent, Jesse, Looks, Matters, Mighty, Musician, Play, Playing, Pleasing, Presence, Prudent, Servants, Skilful, Skilled, Skillful, Speaks, Speech, Strong, Valiant, Valor, Valour, Virtuous, War, Warrior, WiseDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 16:18 5088 David, character
5421 musical instruments
5861 favour, human 1 Samuel 16:14-20 4548 wineskin 1 Samuel 16:14-23 5537 sleeplessness 1 Samuel 16:15-18 5422 musicians 1 Samuel 16:16-18 5387 leisure, pastimes 1 Samuel 16:17-23 5086 David, rise of Library The Shepherd-King
'And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt them mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel! fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided Me a king among his sons. 2. And Samuel said, How can I go? If Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. 3. And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Call of David.
"So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone."--1 Samuel xvii. 50. These words, which are taken from the chapter which you heard read just now in the course of the Service[1], declare the victory which David, the man after God's own heart, gained over Goliath, who came out of the army of the Philistines to defy the Living God; and they declare the manner of his gaining it. He gained it with a sling and with a stone; that is, by means, which to man might seem weak and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Of the Joy of a Good Conscience
The testimony of a good conscience is the glory of a good man. Have a good conscience and thou shalt ever have joy. A good conscience is able to bear exceeding much, and is exceeding joyful in the midst of adversities; an evil conscience is ever fearful and unquiet. Thou shalt rest sweetly if thy heart condemn thee not. Never rejoice unless when thou hast done well. The wicked have never true joy, nor feel internal peace, for there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.(1) And if they say …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ Early Days
The life of David is naturally divided into epochs, of which we may avail ourselves for the more ready arrangement of our material. These are--his early years up to his escape from the court of Saul, his exile, the prosperous beginning of his reign, his sin and penitence, his flight before Absalom's rebellion, and the darkened end. We have but faint incidental traces of his life up to his anointing by Samuel, with which the narrative in the historical books opens. But perhaps the fact that the story …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David And He had Also this Favour Granted Him. ...
66. And he had also this favour granted him. For as he was sitting alone on the mountain, if ever he was in perplexity in his meditations, this was revealed to him by Providence in prayer. And the happy man, as it is written, was taught of God [1112] . After this, when he once had a discussion with certain men who had come to him concerning the state of the soul and of what nature its place will be after this life, the following night one from above called him, saying, Antony, rise, go out and look.' …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon then hath the light shined. C ontrasts are suited to illustrate and strengthen the impression of each other. The happiness of those, who by faith in MESSIAH, are brought into a state of peace, liberty, and comfort, is greatly enhanced and heightened by the consideration of that previous state of misery in which they once lived, and of the greater misery to which they were justly exposed. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 The Christ Crowned, the Fact
"When God sought a King for His people of old, He went to the fields to find him; A shepherd was he, with his crook and his lute And a following flock behind him. "O love of the sheep, O joy of the lute, And the sling and the stone for battle; A shepherd was King, the giant was naught, And the enemy driven like cattle. "When God looked to tell of His good will to men, And the Shepherd-King's son whom He gave them; To shepherds, made meek a-caring for sheep, He told of a Christ sent to save them. …
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation The Christian's Book
Scripture references 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; John 5:39; Romans 15:4; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70; 24:32,45; John 2:22; 10:35; 19:36; Acts 1:16; Romans 1:1,2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; James 2:8. WHAT IS THE BIBLE? What is the Bible? How shall we regard it? Where shall we place it? These and many questions like them at once come to the front when we begin to discuss the Bible as a book. It is only possible in this brief study, of a great subject, to indicate the line of some of the answers. …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 16:18 NIV1 Samuel 16:18 NLT1 Samuel 16:18 ESV1 Samuel 16:18 NASB1 Samuel 16:18 KJV
1 Samuel 16:18 Commentaries
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