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David and Saul: 1 Samuel 16
God rejected Saul’s dynasty in Israel, and chose to replace him with David, a man after God’s own heart. David was not chosen because of his stature or looks, but because of his heart. Even before David officially became king, Samuel anointed him as the next king over Israel.
Meanwhile, Saul was having increasing troubles. The Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an “evil spirit” was terrorizing him. Saul’s servants suggested that he seek someone who could help soothe him by playing music. Saul agreed, and they brought him, of all people, David. David was a shepherd who was also skilled at playing a harp. He was described by Saul’s servants as “a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man; and the LORD is with him” (1 Sam. 16:18).
David came to work for Saul, playing music, attending to him, and even serving as an armor bearer. Saul grew to love David very much, and sent to Jesse, David’s father, to tell him, “Let David now stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.”
Thus every time that Saul would become depressed by the evil spirit, “David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him.” David’s charisma is apparent in this relationship with Saul. Unfortunately, Saul would eventually turn against David in fits of rage, attempting even to kill him. However, David would ultimately prevail and become the next king over Israel.
Discussion
1. Why was Samuel told to go to Bethlehem? Who was there? What was his purpose?
2. What did God tell Samuel about the kind of person he would be anointing as king? What features was Samuel looking at? What does all of this teach about God?
3. What does it mean when it says that Saul was terrorized by an “evil spirit”?
4. How is David described? Are any of these qualities useful to him when he is a king?
5. How would you characterize David’s relationship with Saul?
