TRV
Translation
King James Version
Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.
Complete Jewish Bible
So Sha'ul sent messengers to Yishai saying, "Send me David your son, who is out with the sheep."
Berean Standard Bible
So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.”
American Standard Version
Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, who is with the sheep.
World English Bible Messianic
Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
Wherefore Saul sent messengers vnto Ishai, and said, Send me Dauid thy sonne which is with the sheepe.
Young's Literal Translation
And Saul sendeth messengers unto Jesse, and saith, `Send unto me David thy son, who is with the flock.'
Study This Verse
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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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
Saul therefore sent to Jesse, saying: Send David to me, etc. Newly catechized Jews sent words of their intention as signs to those who had gone before in Christ, saying: Believe in our fellowship of salvation through baptism in Christ, whom we have always learned in our hearts by faith, hope, and charity, to be born, ministering the pastures of eternal life to all the blessed, both angels and men. Complying with the just petitions of the brethren, they lent to them the mysteries of Christ to be received. They did not do this hesitantly, but according to him who, saying to his disciples: Go, teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28): he immediately added and said, Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you (Ibid.). Among the sacraments of faith, with which they were initiated outwardly, they also sent examples of virtues, by which they were inwardly nourished: for bread and wine are spiritual virtues and doctrine. For bread strengthens the heart of man (Psalm 103). And your cup, he says, inebriating, how glorious it is (Psalm 22)! A kid from the goats is a humble sign of repentance, separated from the wanton flock of sinners: for a kid used to be offered for sins according to the law. These David carries to Saul on a donkey given by Jesse, when any wise teacher by the grace of Christ instructing his listeners, frequently recalls that the grace of virtues which they should imitate abounds in the humble and those despised by human judgment. It is notable that in the anointing of Saul, which also signifies the kingdom of Christ, donkeys, bread, a jug of wine, and also kids are found: as has been discussed in its proper place.
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 16:19 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, detailing King Saul's summons of David from his humble life as a shepherd to serve in the royal court. This seemingly innocuous request, driven by Saul's need for relief from a tormenting spirit, unknowingly initiates the divine orchestration of events that will ultimately lead to David's ascent to the throne, fulfilling God's sovereign plan for Israel's future king and setting the stage for the establishment of the Davidic dynasty.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse immediately follows a series of significant events that set the stage for David's introduction to Saul's court. Earlier in the chapter, the prophet Samuel, under divine instruction, secretly anointed David as the future king of Israel in Bethlehem, after God had rejected Saul due to his persistent disobedience (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Following this divine rejection, an evil spirit from the Lord began to torment Saul, causing him great distress and melancholy (1 Samuel 16:14). His servants, seeking a remedy for the king's affliction, suggested finding a skilled harpist to soothe him. One servant then highly recommended David, describing him as "a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him" (1 Samuel 16:18). It is this glowing report that directly prompts Saul's command in verse 19, demonstrating how God subtly moves human actions, even those driven by self-interest, to fulfill His overarching purposes.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the role of a shepherd was common and often humble, yet it carried significant symbolic weight, frequently associated with leadership and the diligent care for a flock—a metaphor often applied to kings and God Himself. Kings in this period, like Saul, held absolute authority, and their commands, even for personal comfort or entertainment, were to be immediately obeyed without question. The belief in evil spirits causing affliction was prevalent, and music was recognized as a therapeutic tool for emotional and spiritual distress. The use of messengers was the standard and most formal method for royal communication and summons across distances, highlighting the official and authoritative nature of Saul's request for David. This historical setting underscores the vast social and political chasm David was about to cross, moving from the solitary fields to the bustling, powerful royal court, a transition orchestrated by divine providence.
Key Themes: The primary theme evident in 1 Samuel 16:19 is Divine Providence and Sovereignty. God, having already chosen and anointed David, orchestrates Saul's affliction and his servants' counsel to bring David into the royal sphere. Saul's pragmatic need for relief unknowingly serves God's greater plan for the transfer of kingship, illustrating that God's will can be accomplished even through human self-interest or ignorance. Another significant theme is Humble Beginnings and the Elevation of the Lowly. David is found "with the sheep," emphasizing his unassuming status before God elevates him to national prominence. This aligns with a recurring biblical pattern where God chooses the weak and overlooked to accomplish His mighty purposes, as seen in the call of Gideon, who questioned his own humble family and clan (Judges 6:15), or the apostles, whom God chose to shame the wise (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Finally, the verse underscores the Unknowing Transition of Power. Neither Saul nor David fully grasps the monumental significance of this summons at the time; Saul seeks a musician, not his replacement, and David is simply obeying a royal command, yet it is the critical first step in the divinely ordained transfer of authority from the rejected king to the chosen one.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological implications. Irony is prominent, as Saul, in seeking personal comfort from an evil spirit, unknowingly summons the very man God has chosen to replace him as king. His actions, intended for his own relief, paradoxically serve as the initial step in his own downfall and the rise of his successor. Foreshadowing is also at play; David's call from the humble sheepfold to the palace vividly foreshadows his future ascent from obscurity to the throne of Israel, a common biblical motif of God raising the lowly to positions of prominence. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Contrast, juxtaposing David's simple life "with the sheep" against the grandeur and political complexities of the royal court he is about to enter. This stark difference emphasizes the divine hand at work, elevating an ordinary shepherd to a position of immense national importance. The entire narrative surrounding this verse serves as a powerful example of Divine Providence, where God subtly orchestrates human events, even seemingly mundane ones, to achieve His sovereign and redemptive purposes.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 16:19 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand in human affairs, demonstrating that His plans unfold precisely, often through unexpected means and seemingly ordinary circumstances. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God does not always choose the outwardly powerful or prominent, but often works through the humble and overlooked to accomplish His mighty purposes. David's call from tending sheep to serving the king underscores the divine principle that faithfulness in small, obscure tasks can be preparation for greater responsibilities. It highlights God's ability to use even the self-serving actions of individuals (like Saul's desire for comfort) to advance His kingdom agenda, revealing a God who is intimately involved in the details of history and individual lives, guiding them toward His ultimate design.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 16:19 offers profound encouragement and challenges for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God often works in subtle, unexpected ways, using our current circumstances, no matter how humble or seemingly insignificant, as part of His grander plan. David, faithfully tending sheep, was unknowingly being prepared for a kingly anointing and a call to the palace. This encourages us to be faithful and diligent in our present responsibilities, trusting that God is sovereignly guiding our steps, even when we don't fully understand the ultimate outcome or purpose of our current season. Our skills, talents, and character developed in obscurity—like David's musical ability, courage, and faithfulness as a shepherd—can be precisely what God uses to open doors and lead us into His divine purpose. The irony of Saul's unwitting summons also highlights the contrast between human plans and divine will, urging us to surrender our agendas to God's perfect, often surprising, orchestration, knowing that His ways are higher than our ways.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Saul need David?
Answer: Saul was being tormented by an evil spirit from the Lord, which caused him great distress and melancholy. His servants suggested that finding a skilled harpist, whose music could soothe him, might alleviate his suffering. David was recommended as an accomplished musician and a man of good character, leading to Saul's summons as recorded in 1 Samuel 16:19.
Was Saul aware of David's anointing as the future king?
Answer: No, Saul was completely unaware of David's secret anointing by Samuel, which had occurred earlier in the chapter (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Saul's request for David was purely pragmatic, driven by his personal need for relief from his torment. He saw David as a skilled musician and a valuable servant, not as his divinely appointed successor to the throne of Israel.
What is the significance of David being "with the sheep" at the time of his summons?
Answer: David being "with the sheep" highlights his humble and unassuming status before God elevated him. It emphasizes that God often chooses those who are not in positions of power or prominence to accomplish His will, demonstrating His sovereignty and His ability to raise the lowly (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). This pastoral role also foreshadows David's future as a shepherd of God's people, Israel, a common biblical metaphor for leadership, and prepares him for the care and protection of his nation.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of David's humble call from the sheepfold to the king's court in 1 Samuel 16:19 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as David was chosen from obscurity, not from the established centers of power, so too did the Messiah come in a humble, unexpected manner. The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Suffering Servant would have "no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him" (Isaiah 53:2-3). Jesus, the greater Son of David, was born in the humble town of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:6), not Jerusalem, and began His ministry not in a palace, but among the common people, calling fishermen and tax collectors to be His disciples. He was the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29), yet also the "Good Shepherd" who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). David's elevation from shepherd to king foreshadows Christ's journey from humble incarnation and sacrificial death to His glorious resurrection and enthronement as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, demonstrating God's consistent pattern of exalting the humble and using the unexpected to accomplish His eternal purposes (Philippians 2:6-11).