Harp Music – A Soothing Balm for a Tormented Spirit

1 Samuel 16:14-23, CEV

First Samuel 16:14 begins with Saul being in a very serious condition – “The Spirit of the Lord had left him, and an evil spirit from the Lord was terrifying him.” Saul was in trouble, and so are we when God withdraws His sweet Spirit, His hedge of protection from us. Those serving Saul in an official capacity told him that an evil spirit from God was frightening him (v. 15). They requested that their Majesty let them go and look for someone who was good at playing the harp. He could play for him whenever the evil spirit from God bothered him, and he’d feel better (v.16). Saul was so tormented by the evil spirit from God that he readily accepted the advice of those officials. He told them to “Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me” (v.17, NKJV). One of Saul’s officials highly recommended David, a son of Jesse who lived in Bethlehem. He could play the harp, was a brave warrior, good-looking, could speak well, and the Lord was with him (V.18). All of these attributes are useful for various reasons, but “…the Lord was with him” is most important. In order to do the work of God, we must have surrendered ourselves to “walk worthy of the vocation to which we have been called.”  

Saul sent a message to Jesse: “Tell your son David to leave your sheep and come here to me” (v.19). Jesse readily complied with the king’s order, and sent David to Saul with a gift. Recall that David had already been anointed king of Israel without Saul’s knowledge. Scripture declares that whosoever God blesses, no man can curse. David became a part of Saul’s court and found favor with him, who made David his armor bearer. Shortly afterward, Saul sent another message to Jesse, expressing his favor in David and requested that Jesse let David stay with him. Whenever the evil spirit from God bothered Saul, David played the harp for him. This relaxed Saul and made him feel better, and the evil spirit would go away. Music can stir us to worship, and it can calm us when we are distressed and troubled. Take time today and listen to or belt out one of your favorite hymns or songs. Close your eyes and receive the blessed effect it has on you.