1 Samuel 16:14-23: The Anointing of David and the Departure of the Spirit from Saul
In 1 Samuel 16:14-23, we see a significant shift in the narrative of King Saul's reign. The Holy Spirit, who had been with Saul since his anointing as king (1 Samuel 10:1, 10), departs from him. Meanwhile, David, the young shepherd boy, is anointed by Samuel to become the next king of Israel.
The Departure of the Holy Spirit from Saul (v. 14)
"Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrorized him."
The Holy Spirit, who had empowered Saul for his role as king, departed from him. This was a significant event, as the Spirit's presence was a crucial aspect of Saul's reign. The departure of the Spirit marked the beginning of the end of Saul's reign.
The Effect of the Evil Spirit on Saul (v. 15)
"Saul's servants said to him, 'Behold, an evil spirit from God is terrifying you. Let our lord now command your servants who are before you. Let them seek out a man who is a skillful player on the lyre, and it shall be that when the evil spirit from God is upon you, that he will play it with his hand, and you will be well.'"
The evil spirit that replaced the Holy Spirit caused Saul much distress. His servants, attempting to alleviate his suffering, suggested finding a musician to play the lyre, hoping the soothing music would calm him.
The Search for a Musician (v. 16-18)
"One of the young men answered, 'Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful player, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the Lord is with him.'"
The servants searched for a musician and found David, a young man from Bethlehem. David was described as a skilled musician, brave, and wise in speech. The Lord was with David, indicating God's presence and approval.
David's Anointing and the Departure from Saul (v. 19-23)
"Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, 'Send me your son David who is with the sheep.'...And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a bottle of wine, and a young goat, and sent them to Saul. And David came to Saul and stood before him; and he loved him greatly, and became his armor bearer. And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, 'Let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.'"
David was summoned to Saul's court, where he became his armor bearer. The anointing of David marked the beginning of his rise to kingship, while signaling the decline of Saul's reign.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 16:14-23 highlights the contrast between Saul, whose reign was marked by the departure of the Holy Spirit, and David, whose anointing marked the beginning of a new era of godly leadership in Israel.
