1 Samuel 16:21

And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.

And David {H1732} came {H935} to Saul {H7586}, and stood {H5975} before {H6440} him: and he loved {H157} him greatly {H3966}; and he became his armourbearer {H5375}{H3627}.

David came to Sha'ul and presented himself to him. Sha'ul took a great liking to him and made him his armor-bearer.

When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul admired him greatly, and David became his armor-bearer.

And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armorbearer.

Commentary

1 Samuel 16:21 describes a pivotal moment in the life of David, introducing him directly into the service of King Saul. This verse marks David's transition from a shepherd boy in Bethlehem to a trusted attendant in the royal court, a crucial step orchestrated by divine providence.

Context

The events leading up to this verse are significant. God had rejected Saul as king due to his disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23). Subsequently, the prophet Samuel was sent by God to anoint David, the youngest son of Jesse, as the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13). Following David's anointing, the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and he became tormented by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14). Saul's servants recommended David, who was known for his skill as a harpist, a brave warrior, eloquent in speech, handsome, and, most importantly, had the Lord's presence with him (1 Samuel 16:18). This verse, therefore, details David's arrival and immediate acceptance into Saul's personal service.

Key Themes

  • Divine Orchestration: This verse beautifully illustrates God's sovereign hand at work. Even in Saul's distress, God used the situation to bring David into the palace, positioning him for his future role as king. What appears to be a natural sequence of events is part of God's larger plan.
  • David's Character and Favor: David's innate qualities and the favor of God upon him were evident from his reputation. Saul's immediate and strong affection for David ("he loved him greatly") underscores David's appealing personality and the blessing of God.
  • Humble Beginnings: Despite being anointed as the future king, David enters the royal court in a humble capacity—as an armourbearer. This role, while close to the king, was still a position of service, highlighting David's journey from obscurity to prominence.
  • Ironic Affection: The verse notes Saul's great love for David. This stands in stark contrast to Saul's later intense jealousy and repeated attempts to kill David, as seen in passages like 1 Samuel 18:8-9. This initial affection sets the stage for the dramatic and tragic conflict between the two men.

Linguistic Insights

The term "armourbearer" (Hebrew: נֹשֵׂא כֵלִים, nose' keilim) signifies a trusted personal attendant who carried the king's or a high-ranking officer's weapons. This position was one of close proximity, intimacy, and great trust. An armourbearer would often stand by his master in battle, ready to assist or protect. For David, this role provided him with invaluable experience in military affairs and courtly life, preparing him for the weighty responsibilities of kingship.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 16:21 offers several timeless lessons:

  • God's Timing and Preparation: God often prepares us for future roles through unexpected paths and humble beginnings. David's time as an armourbearer was a vital part of his training for kingship, even if he didn't realize it at the time.
  • Faithfulness in Small Things: David's diligence and skill as a shepherd and harpist led to his recognition and placement in the king's service. Being faithful and excellent in our current roles, no matter how small, can open doors to greater opportunities.
  • Character Matters: David's reputation for skill, courage, and God's presence made him desirable to Saul's court. Developing strong character and integrity is always valuable.
  • Recognizing God's Hand: Even in seemingly ordinary circumstances, like a king seeking a musician, we can discern God's sovereign hand working to fulfill His purposes.
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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 22:29 (5 votes)

    ¶ Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men].

  • Genesis 41:46 (5 votes)

    ¶ And Joseph [was] thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

  • Psalms 146:3 (3 votes)

    Put not your trust in princes, [nor] in the son of man, in whom [there is] no help.

  • Psalms 118:9 (2 votes)

    [It is] better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

  • 1 Kings 10:8 (2 votes)

    Happy [are] thy men, happy [are] these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, [and] that hear thy wisdom.

  • Psalms 62:9 (2 votes)

    Surely men of low degree [are] vanity, [and] men of high degree [are] a lie: to be laid in the balance, they [are] altogether [lighter] than vanity.

  • Deuteronomy 10:8 (2 votes)

    At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.