1st Samuel 16:19-21

Today's verses are right after Samuel anoints David as the new king of Israel. (1st Samuel 16:13) One very important detail here is that Samuel did not want Saul to find out that he was at Jesse's house to anoint a new king. (1st Samuel 16:2) Even though he was afraid and unsure, he followed God’s instructions anyway.

In verse 14, it says the Spirit of the LORD left Saul, then a tormenting spirit filled him with depression and fear. (Side note, depression & fear are tormenting spirits. Let that sink in a second.) Some of Saul’s servants knew that music would send the torment away. Music is so powerful, we honestly don’t understand it. Somehow, the servants knew that David was a good harp player. In our verses, Saul sends for him.

What an unusual thing, to be anointed King, but the current one will not step down. Saul did not know for a while that David was to succeed him. Naturally, it should have been Jonathan. But God moved the kingship from Saul’s family tree.

I would like to point out something. When David was anointed by Samuel, the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him. Because God removed His Spirit from Saul (which He no longer does thank goodness) and because a tormenting spirit was there, David FULL of the Holy Spirit, made Saul feel better. I think we can do that for people too.