1 Samuel 16:18

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.

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.

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."

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.”

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.

Commentary

First Samuel 16:18 is a pivotal verse that introduces David, the future king of Israel, to the reigning King Saul. It's a testament to David's remarkable character and diverse abilities, as observed and reported by one of Saul's servants. This description sets the stage for David's rise to prominence and his eventual anointing as king.

Context

This passage follows God's rejection of Saul as king and Samuel's secret anointing of David in Bethlehem. King Saul, now tormented by an evil spirit from the Lord (1 Samuel 16:14), is advised by his servants to find someone skilled in playing the harp to soothe him. It is in this desperate search for relief that one of the servants steps forward to recommend David, a young man from Bethlehem, painting a vivid picture of his many virtues.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Preparation: This verse highlights how God meticulously prepares and positions His chosen instruments. David wasn't just found by chance; his qualities were divinely cultivated, and his introduction to the royal court was part of God's sovereign plan to replace Saul.
  • Multi-faceted Excellence: The servant's description paints David as a remarkably well-rounded individual. He is presented as:
    • "Cunning in playing": A skilled musician, indicating artistic talent and sensitivity.
    • "A mighty valiant man": Possessing courage and strength, qualities essential for leadership and battle. This foreshadows his later victory over Goliath.
    • "A man of war": Already demonstrating military prowess, even as a shepherd, likely defending his flock from wild animals.
    • "Prudent in matters": Indicating wisdom, good judgment, and eloquence in speech, which would be crucial for governing.
    • "A comely person": Physically attractive, a quality often valued in ancient leadership, though secondary to inner character.
  • God's Presence as the Ultimate Quality: The most significant commendation is the servant's final observation: "and the LORD is with him." This phrase encapsulates the source of David's true strength and success. It signifies God's favor, guidance, and empowering presence, which is ultimately more important than any human skill or appearance. This divine endorsement is what truly set David apart and continued throughout his life, as seen in 1 Samuel 18:14.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "cunning in playing" (נֵגֵן, nagan) refers to being highly skilled or expert in playing a stringed instrument, particularly the harp (lyre). David’s musical ability was not just a hobby but a significant talent that brought him into Saul's service.
  • "Prudent in matters" (נָבוֹן דָּבָר, navon davar) suggests wisdom and discernment not just in action, but also in speech and counsel. David was not only capable but also intelligent and articulate, able to handle affairs with good judgment.

Practical Application

This verse offers several insights for believers today:

  • God Uses Diverse Talents: God can use all our skills—whether artistic, physical, intellectual, or relational—for His purposes. David's journey shows that even seemingly ordinary talents can open doors to extraordinary callings.
  • Character Matters: While outward appearance and skills are noted, David's inner qualities—his courage, wisdom, and especially God's presence with him—were paramount. God looks beyond what is superficial to the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
  • The Importance of God's Presence: The most crucial attribute for any believer is to have the Lord's presence and favor. It is this divine connection that empowers us, guides our decisions, and ultimately ensures true success and purpose in life, making us "men and women after God's own heart" as described in Acts 13:22.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 3:19 (9 votes)

    ¶ And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.

  • Genesis 39:23 (8 votes)

    The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing [that was] under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and [that] which he did, the LORD made [it] to prosper.

  • Genesis 39:2 (7 votes)

    And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

  • 1 Samuel 17:32 (7 votes)

    And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

  • 1 Samuel 17:36 (7 votes)

    Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.

  • 1 Samuel 10:7 (6 votes)

    And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, [that] thou do as occasion serve thee; for God [is] with thee.

  • Matthew 1:23 (5 votes)

    Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.