TRV
Translation
King James Version
Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.
KJV (with Strong's)
Then answered H6030 one H259 of the servants H5288, and said H559, Behold, I have seen H7200 a son H1121 of Jesse H3448 the Bethlehemite H1022, that is cunning H3045 in playing H5059, and a mighty H1368 valiant man H2428, and a man H376 of war H4421, and prudent H995 in matters H1697, and a comely H8389 person H376, and the LORD H3068 is with him.
Complete Jewish Bible
One of the young men answered, "Here, I've seen one of the sons of Yishai the Beit-Lachmi who knows how to play. He's a brave soldier, he can fight, he chooses his words carefully and he's pleasant-looking. Besides, ADONAI is with him."
Berean Standard Bible
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.”
American Standard Version
Then answered one of the young men, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-lehemite, that is skilful in playing, and a mighty man of valor, and a man of war, and prudent in speech, and a comely person; and Jehovah is with him.
World English Bible Messianic
Then one of the young men answered, and said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a comely person; and the LORD is with him.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then answered one of his seruauntes, and sayde, Beholde, I haue seene a sonne of Ishai, a Bethlehemite, that can plaie, and is strong, valiant and a man of warre and wise in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him.
Young's Literal Translation
And one of the servants answereth and saith, `Lo, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth-Lehemite, skilful in playing, and a mighty virtuous man, and a man of battle, and intelligent in word, and a man of form, and Jehovah is with him.'
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Commentary on 1 Samuel 16 verses 14–23
14 ¶ But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.
15 And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
16 Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.
17 And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.
18 Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.
19 Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.
20 And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul.
21 And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.
22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
We have here Saul falling and David rising.
I. Here is Saul made a terror to himself (Sa1 16:14): The Spirit of the Lord departed from him. He having forsaken God and his duty, God, in a way of righteous judgment, withdrew from him those assistances of the good Spirit with which he was directed, animated, and encouraged in his government and wars. He lost all his good qualities. This was the effect of his rejecting God, and an evidence of his being rejected by him. Now God took his mercy from Saul (as it is expressed, Sa2 7:15); for, when the Spirit of the Lord departs from us, all good goes. When men grieve and quench the Spirit, by wilful sin, he departs, and will not always strive. The consequence of this was that an evil spirit from God troubled him. Those that drive the good Spirit away from the do of course become prey to the evil spirit. If God and his grace do not rule us, sin and Satan will have possession of us. The devil, by the divine permission, troubled and terrified Saul, by means of the corrupt humours of his body and passions of his mind. He grew fretful, and peevish, and discontented, timorous and suspicious, ever and anon starting and trembling; he was sometimes, says Josephus, as if he had been choked or strangled, and a perfect demoniac by fits. This made him unfit for business, precipitate in his counsels, the contempt of his enemies, and a burden to all about him.
II. Here is David made a physician to Saul, and by this means brought to court, a physician that helped him against the worst of diseases, when none else could. David was newly appointed privately to the kingdom. It would be of use to him to go to court and see the world; and here his doing so is brought about for him without any contrivance of his own or his friends. Note, Those whom God designs for any service his providence shall concur with his grace to prepare and qualify for it. Saul is distempered; his servants have the honesty and courage to tell him what his distemper is (Sa1 16:15), an evil spirit, not by chance but from God and his providence, troubleth thee. Now, 1. The means they all advised him to for his relief was music (Sa1 16:16): "Let us have a cunning player on the harp to attend thee." How much better friends had they been to him if they had advised him, since the evil spirit was from the Lord, to give all diligence to make his peace with God by true repentance, to send for Samuel to pray with him and to intercede with God for him! then might he not only have had some present relief, but the good Spirit would have returned to him. But their project is to make him merry, and so cure him. Many whose consciences are convinced and startled are for ever ruined by such methods as these, which drown all care of the soul in the delights of sense. Yet Saul's servants did not amiss to send for music as a help to cheer up the spirits, if they had but withal sent for a prophet to give him good counsel. And (as bishop Hall observes) it was well they did not send for a witch or diviner, by his enchantments to cast out the evil spirit, which has been the abominably wicked practice of some that have worn the Christian name, who consult the devil in their distresses and make hell their refuge. It will be no less than a miracle of divine grace if those who thus agree with Satan ever break off from him again. 2. One of his servants recommended David to him, as a fit person to be employed in the use of these means, little imagining that he was the man whom Samuel meant when he told Saul of a neighbour of his, better than he, who should have the kingdom, Sa1 15:28. It is a very high character which the servant of Saul's here gives of David (Sa1 16:18), that he was not only fit for his purpose as a comely person and skilful in playing, but a man of courage and conduct, a mighty valiant man, and prudent in all matters, fit to be further preferred, and (which crowned his character) the Lord is with him. By this it appears that though David, after he was anointed, returned to his country business, and there remained on his head no marks of the oil, so careful was he to keep that secret, yet the workings of the Spirit signified by the oil could not be hid, but made him shine in obscurity, so that all his neighbours observed with wonder the great improvements of his mind on a sudden. David, even in his shepherd's garb, has become an oracle, a champion, and every thing that is great. His fame reached the court soon, for Saul was inquisitive after such young men, Sa1 14:52. When the Spirit of God comes upon a man he will make his face to shine. 3. David is hereupon sent for to court. And it seems, (1.) His father was very willing to part with him, sent him very readily, and a present with him to Saul, Sa1 16:20. The present was, according to the usage of those times, bread and wine (compare, Sa1 10:3, Sa1 10:4), therefore acceptable because expressive of the homage and allegiance of him that sent it. Probably Jesse, who knew what his son David was designed for, was aware that Providence was herein fitting him for it, and therefore he would not force Providence by sending him to court uncalled, yet he followed Providence very cheerfully when he saw it plainly putting him into the way of preferment. Some suggest that when Jesse received that message, Send me David thy son, he began to be afraid that Saul had got some intimation of his being anointed, and sent for him to do him a mischief, and therefore Jesse sent a present to pacify him; but it is probable that the person, whoever he was, that brought the message, gave him an account on what design he was sent for. (2.) Saul became very kind to him (Sa1 16:21), loved him greatly, and designed to make him his armour-bearer, and (contrary to the manner of the king, Sa1 8:11) asked his father's leave to keep him in his service (Sa1 16:22): Let David, I pray thee, stand before me. And good reason he had to respect him, for he did him a great deal of service with his music, Sa1 16:23. Only his instrumental music with his harp is mentioned, but it should seem, by the account Josephus gives, that he added vocal music to it, and sung hymns, probably divine hymns, songs of praise, to his harp. David's music was Saul's physic. [1.] Music has a natural tendency to compose and exhilarate the mind, when it is disturbed and saddened. Elisha used it for the calming of his spirits, Kg2 3:15. On some it has a greater influence and effect than on others, and, probably, Saul was one of those. Not that it charmed the evil spirit, but it made his spirit sedate, and allayed those tumults of the animal spirits by which the devil had advantage against him. The beams of the sun (it is the learned Bochart's comparison) cannot be cut with a sword, quenched with water, or blown out with wind, but, by closing the window-shutters, they may be kept out of the chamber. Music cannot work upon the devil, but it may shut up the passages by which he has access to the mind. [2.] David's music was extraordinary, and in mercy to him, that he might gain a reputation at court, as one that had the Lord with him. God made his performances in music more successful, in this case, than those of others would have been. Saul found, even after he had conceived an enmity to David, that no one else could do him the same service (Kg2 19:9, Kg2 19:10), which was a great aggravation of his outrage against him. It is a pity that music, which may be so serviceable to the good temper of the mind, should ever be abused by any to the support of vanity and luxury, and made an occasion of drawing the heart away from God and serious things: if this be to any the effect of it, it drives away the good Spirit, not the evil spirit.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–23. Public domain.
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Gregory the DialogistAD 604
FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 30
It is agreeable to lift up eyes of faith to the power of this Worker, and to look here and there at our ancestors in the Old and New Testaments. With the eyes of faith open on David, Amos, Daniel, Peter, Paul and Matthew, I wish to analyze the nature of the workman, the Holy Spirit. But I fail in my analysis. The Spirit filled a boy who played upon a harp and made him a psalmist, a shepherd and herdsman who pruned sycamore trees and made him a prophet, a boy given to abstinence and made him a judge of mature men, a fisherman and made him a preacher, a persecutor and made him the teacher of the Gentiles, a tax collector and made him an evangelist.What a skillful workman this Spirit is! There is no question of delay in learning. It no sooner touches the mind in regard to anything it chooses than it teaches; its very touch is teaching. It changes a human mind in a moment to enlighten it; suddenly what it was it no longer is, suddenly it is what it was not.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
Behold, I have seen the son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, skilled in playing, etc. One of the youths is the unity of the humble of Christ, with one and the same heart and soul agreed. To the Jews inquiring about the faith, and knocking step by step, so to speak, on the locked doors of the life-giving cross, immediately clearer answers to the questions of faith, and illuminating the mysteries of the Lord's dispensation: Behold, he says, with the eyes of either flesh or faith I have seen and known the one born from the root of Jesse, in Bethlehem of Judah, a man knowing how to bear infirmities, and submitting to the gibbet of death, able to vanquish the aerial powers, sublime in both strength and prudence; indeed, the very power of God, and the wisdom of God, beautiful in form beyond the sons of men, in the innocence of life and the exhibition of heavenly deeds; and, to put it succinctly, he is the one who alone could say: I am in the Father, and the Father is in me; and, He who sees me, sees also the Father (John XIV); whose exceptional virtues indeed celebrate the glory of the name. For he is called David, that is, strong with the hand, or desirable. He is strong with the hand, indeed, in the power of his passion, because he laid low his adversaries. Desirable in the splendor of the resurrection, by which he exalted his own. For it is written of him: The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle: he is the one whom the angels desire to behold (Psalm XXIII); and who, as the prophet says, will come as the Desired of all nations, and the glory of the house of the Lord will be filled (Haggai II).
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 16:18 serves as the pivotal introduction of David, the future king of Israel, to King Saul's court. Spoken by one of Saul's discerning servants, this verse paints a comprehensive portrait of David, highlighting his multifaceted talents—from musical prowess and military might to wisdom and physical attractiveness—culminating in the profound declaration that the Lord's presence is with him. This initial commendation not only secures David's place in Saul's service but also foreshadows his divinely ordained destiny as Israel's next monarch, showcasing God's meticulous preparation of His chosen instrument.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The servant's description of David employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is Catalogue or Enumeration, as the verse systematically lists David's distinct qualities: musical skill, valor, military experience, prudence, and comeliness. This cumulative listing builds a comprehensive and impressive portrait of the young man, demonstrating his exceptional versatility. This catalogue also functions as Foreshadowing, with each attribute hinting at David's future roles and divine purpose: his musical ability will indeed soothe Saul, his valor and military prowess will be crucial in defeating Goliath and leading Israel's armies, and his prudence will be essential for governing as king. The structure of the list itself demonstrates Climax or Ascension, as it builds from more external or skill-based qualities (cunning in playing, comely person) to the ultimate and most significant attribute: "the LORD is with him." This places divine favor as the supreme and foundational quality, indicating that all other attributes are ultimately empowered by God. Finally, there is an element of Irony when contrasted with Saul's initial selection based on impressive outward appearance, as seen in 1 Samuel 9:2. While Saul was chosen for his imposing stature, David, though also "comely," is ultimately chosen and endorsed by God primarily because of His presence with him, highlighting God's different, heart-focused criteria for leadership.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 16:18 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand in raising up leaders and His unique criteria for selection. While human eyes might be drawn to outward appearance or obvious strength, God looks at the heart and seeks those with whom His Spirit can dwell and empower. David's diverse qualities, though impressive, are ultimately secondary to the profound declaration that "the LORD is with him." This signifies that true effectiveness in God's service stems not from inherent human ability alone, but from divine enablement and favor. God meticulously prepares His chosen instruments, often in obscurity, equipping them with a combination of natural talents and spiritual anointing to fulfill His purposes. This verse underscores that God's presence is the ultimate qualification, transforming natural gifts into divinely potent tools for His kingdom.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a profound blueprint for understanding God's work in individuals and His call to us today. It reminds us that God often prepares His chosen ones in unexpected ways, utilizing a diverse array of gifts—artistic, intellectual, physical, and relational—for His grand purposes. David's journey from shepherd to king, marked by these varied skills, teaches us that no talent is too small or too secular for God to use. More importantly, the culminating phrase, "the LORD is with him," shifts our focus from human achievement to divine presence. It challenges us to recognize that while cultivating our gifts is good and necessary, the most vital attribute for any believer is an intimate, abiding relationship with God, allowing His Spirit to empower and guide us. Our ultimate success and impact are not measured by our inherent abilities but by the degree to which God's presence is evident in our lives, making us effective instruments in His hands. We are called to cultivate not just skills, but character, wisdom, and a deep reliance on the One who truly enables all things.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is David's musical skill mentioned first among his many attributes?
Answer: David's musical skill is mentioned first because it is the immediate and practical need that brings him into King Saul's service. Saul is tormented by an evil spirit and requires someone skilled in playing the lyre to soothe him, as described in 1 Samuel 16:14-17. This highlights God's providential way of opening doors; He uses David's existing, cultivated talent to bring him into the royal court, positioning him for his future role. Furthermore, music held significant cultural and spiritual importance in ancient Israel, often associated with prophecy and the calming of troubled spirits, making it a highly valued attribute for someone entering the king's presence.
What does "the LORD is with him" truly signify in the context of David's introduction?
Answer: This phrase is the most crucial part of the servant's commendation and signifies much more than mere good fortune. It indicates divine favor, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, guidance, and endorsement. The Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, as noted in 1 Samuel 16:14, and had come powerfully upon David after his anointing, as recorded in 1 Samuel 16:13. Therefore, "the LORD is with him" is the ultimate seal of divine approval, confirming that David is God's chosen instrument. It implies that his other qualities—his valor, wisdom, and even comeliness—are not just natural attributes but are enhanced and made effective by God's enabling presence, ensuring success in his endeavors and marking him as fit for the kingship.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 16:18, in its comprehensive description of David, serves as a remarkable Old Testament foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Son of David and the perfect King. Just as David was "cunning in playing," Jesus is the divine harmonizer, bringing peace to troubled souls and reconciling humanity to God through His perfect sacrifice, a melody of grace that soothes the deepest anxieties. He is the "mighty valiant man" and "man of war" who triumphed over sin, death, and the devil, not with a physical sword, but through His spiritual warfare on the cross, ultimately leading captivity captive, as prophesied in Psalm 68:18 and applied in Ephesians 4:8. Jesus is supremely "prudent in matters," embodying all wisdom and knowledge, as affirmed in Colossians 2:3, speaking words of life and truth with unparalleled discernment. While David was "a comely person," Jesus, though perhaps not physically striking in the way the world values, possesses a divine beauty and glory that surpasses all earthly attractiveness, being the very radiance of God's glory, as stated in Hebrews 1:3. Crucially, the servant's final declaration about David, "and the LORD is with him," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus. He is Emmanuel, "God with us," as declared in Matthew 1:23, in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily, according to Colossians 2:9. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon Him without measure, as prophesied in Isaiah 11:2 and confirmed in John 3:34, empowering His ministry, miracles, and ultimately His resurrection. Thus, David, in his multifaceted excellence and divine anointing, points us to Christ, the true King who perfectly embodies every virtue and whose very being is defined by the Father's eternal presence and power.