mh_parser/vol_split/9 - 1Samuel/Chapter 16.xml

<div2 id="iSam.xvii" n="xvii" next="iSam.xviii" prev="iSam.xvi" progress="32.22%" title="Chapter XVI">
<h2 id="iSam.xvii-p0.1">F I R S T   S A M U E L</h2>
<h3 id="iSam.xvii-p0.2">CHAP. XVI.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iSam.xvii-p1">At this chapter begins the story of David, one
that makes as great a figure in the sacred story as almost any of
the worthies of the Old Testament, one that both with his sword and
with his pen served the honour of God and the interests of Israel
as much as most ever did, and was as illustrious a type of Christ.
Here I. Samuel is appointed and commissioned to anoint a king among
the sons of Jesse at Bethlehem, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.1-1Sam.16.5" parsed="|1Sam|16|1|16|5" passage="1Sa 16:1-5">ver.
1-5</scripRef>. II. All his elder sons are passed by and David the
youngest is pitched upon and anointed, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.6-1Sam.16.13" parsed="|1Sam|16|6|16|13" passage="1Sa 16:6-13">ver. 6-13</scripRef>. III. Saul growing melancholy,
David is pitched upon to relieve him by music, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.14-1Sam.16.23" parsed="|1Sam|16|14|16|23" passage="1Sa 16:14-23">ver. 14-23</scripRef>. Thus small are the beginnings
of that great man.</p>
<scripCom id="iSam.xvii-p0.1_1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16" parsed="|1Sam|16|0|0|0" passage="1Sa 16" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iSam.xvii-p0.2_1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.1-1Sam.16.5" parsed="|1Sam|16|1|16|5" passage="1Sa 16:1-5" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.16.1-1Sam.16.5">
<h4 id="iSam.xvii-p1.6">Samuel Goes to Bethlehem. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p1.7">b. c.</span> 1065.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xvii-p2">1 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p2.1">Lord</span>
said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have
rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil,
and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have
provided me a king among his sons.   2 And Samuel said, How
can I go? if Saul hear <i>it,</i> he will kill me. And the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p2.2">Lord</span> said, Take a heifer with thee, and
say, I am come to sacrifice to the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p2.3">Lord</span>.   3 And call Jesse to the sacrifice,
and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto
me <i>him</i> whom I name unto thee.   4 And Samuel did that
which the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p2.4">Lord</span> spake, and came to
Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and
said, Comest thou peaceably?   5 And he said, Peaceably: I am
come to sacrifice unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p2.5">Lord</span>:
sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he
sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the
sacrifice.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p3">Samuel had retired to his own house in
Ramah, with a resolution not to appear any more in public business,
but to addict himself wholly to the instructing and training up of
the sons of the prophets, over whom he presided, as we find,
<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.19.20" parsed="|1Sam|19|20|0|0" passage="1Sa 19:20"><i>ch.</i> xix. 20</scripRef>. He
promised himself more satisfaction in young prophets than in young
princes; and we do not find that, to his dying day, God called him
out to any public action relating to the state, but only here to
anoint David.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p4">I. God reproves him for continuing so long
to mourn for the rejection of Saul. He does not blame him for
mourning on that occasion, but for exceeding in his sorrow: <i>How
long wilt thou mourn for Saul?</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.1" parsed="|1Sam|16|1|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>. We do not find here that he
mourned at all for the setting aside of his own family and the
deposing of his own sons; but for the rejecting of Saul and his
seed he mourns without measure, for the former was done by the
people's foolish discontent, this by the righteous wrath of God.
Yet he must find time to recover himself, and not go mourning to
his grave, 1. Because God has rejected him, and he ought to
acquiesce in the divine justice, and forget his affection to Saul;
if God will be glorified in his ruin, Samuel ought to be satisfied.
Besides, to what purpose should he weep? The decree has gone forth,
and all his prayers and tears cannot prevail for the reversing of
it, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.12.22-2Sam.12.23" parsed="|2Sam|12|22|12|23" passage="2Sa 12:22,23">2 Sam. xii. 22, 23</scripRef>.
2. Because Israel shall be no loser by it, and Samuel must prefer
the public welfare before his own private affection to his friend.
"Mourn not for Saul, for I <i>have provided me a king.</i> The
people provided themselves a king and he proved bad, now I will
provide myself one, <i>a man after my own heart.</i>" See <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.89.20 Bible:Acts.13.22" parsed="|Ps|89|20|0|0;|Acts|13|22|0|0" passage="Ps 89:20,Ac 13:22">Ps. lxxxix. 20; Acts xiii.
22</scripRef>. "If Saul be rejected, yet Israel shall not be <i>as
sheep having no shepherd.</i> I have another in store for them; let
thy joy of him swallow up thy grief for the rejected prince."</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p5">II. He sends him to Bethlehem, to anoint
one of the sons of Jesse, a person probably not unknown to Samuel.
<i>Fill thy horn with oil.</i> Saul was anointed with a glass vial
of oil, scanty and brittle, David with a horn of oil, which was
more plentiful and durable; hence we read of a <i>horn of salvation
in the house of his servant David,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:Luke.1.69" parsed="|Luke|1|69|0|0" passage="Lu 1:69">Luke i. 69</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p6">III. Samuel objects the peril of going on
this errand (<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.2" parsed="|1Sam|16|2|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>):
<i>If Saul hear it, he will kill me.</i> By this it appears. 1.
That Saul had grown very wicked and outrageous since his rejection,
else Samuel would not have mentioned this. What impiety would he
not be guilty of who durst kill Samuel? 2. That Samuel's faith was
not so strong as one would have expected, else he would not have
thus feared the rage of Saul. Would not he that sent him protect
him and bear him out? But the best men are not perfect in their
faith, nor will fear be wholly cast out any where on this side
heaven. But this may be understood as Samuel's desire of direction
from heaven how to manage this matter prudently, so as not to
expose himself, or any other, more than needed.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p7">IV. God orders him to cover his design with
a sacrifice: <i>Say, I have come to sacrifice;</i> and it was true
he did, and it was proper that he should, when he came to anoint a
king, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.11.15" parsed="|1Sam|11|15|0|0" passage="1Sa 11:15"><i>ch.</i> xi. 15</scripRef>.
As a prophet, he might sacrifice when and where God appointed him;
and it was not all inconsistent with the laws of truth to say he
came to sacrifice when really he did so, though he had also a
further end, which he thought fit to conceal. Let him give notice
of a sacrifice, and invite Jesse (who, it is probable, was the
principal man of the city) and his family to come to the feast upon
the sacrifice; and, says God, <i>I will show thee what thou shalt
do.</i> Those that go about God's work in God's way shall be
directed step by step, wherever they are at a loss, to do it in the
best manner.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p8">V. Samuel went accordingly to Bethlehem,
not in pomp, or with any retinue, only a servant to lead the heifer
which he was to sacrifice; yet <i>the elders of Bethlehem trembled
at his coming,</i> fearing it was an indication of God's
displeasure against them and that he came to denounce some judgment
for the iniquities of the place. Guilt causes fear. Yet indeed it
becomes us to stand in awe of God's messengers, and to tremble at
his word. Or they feared it might be an occasion of Saul's
displeasure against them, for probably they knew how much he was
exasperated at Samuel, and feared he would pick a quarrel with them
for entertaining him. They asked him, "<i>Comest thou
peaceably?</i> Art thou in peace thyself, and not flying from Saul?
Art thou at peace with us, and not come with any message of wrath?"
We should all covet earnestly to stand upon good terms with God's
prophets, and dread having the word of God, or their prayers,
against us. When the Son of David was born king of the Jews all
Jerusalem was troubled, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Matt.2.3" parsed="|Matt|2|3|0|0" passage="Mt 2:3">Matt. ii.
3</scripRef>. Samuel kept at home, and it was a strange thing to
see him so far from his own house: they therefore concluded it must
needs be some extraordinary occasion that brought him, and feared
the worst till he satisfied them (<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.5" parsed="|1Sam|16|5|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>): "<i>I come peaceably,</i> for
<i>I come to sacrifice,</i> not with a message of wrath against
you, but with the methods of peace and reconciliation; and
therefore you may bid me welcome and need not fear my coming;
therefore <i>sanctify yourselves,</i> and prepare to join with me
in the sacrifice, that you may have the benefit of it." Note,
Before solemn ordinances there must be a solemn protestation. When
we are to offer spiritual sacrifices it concerns us, by
sequestering ourselves from the world and renewing the dedication
of ourselves to God, to sanctify ourselves. When our Lord Jesus
came into the world, though men had reason enough to tremble,
fearing that his errand was to condemn the world, yet he gave full
assurance that he came peaceably, for he came to sacrifice, and he
brought his offering along with him: <i>A body hast thou prepared
me.</i> Let us sanctify ourselves, that we may have an interest in
his sacrifice. Note, Those that come to sacrifice should come
peaceably; religious exercises must not be performed
tumultuously.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p9">VI. He had a particular regard to Jesse and
his sons, for with them his private business lay, with which, it is
likely, he acquainted Jesse at his first coming, and took up his
lodging at his house. He spoke to all the elders to <i>sanctify
themselves,</i> but he <i>sanctified Jesse and his sons</i> by
praying with them and instructing them. Perhaps he had acquaintance
with them before, and it appears (<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.20.29" parsed="|1Sam|20|29|0|0" passage="1Sa 20:29"><i>ch.</i> xx. 29</scripRef>, where we read of the
sacrifices that family had) that it was a devout religious family.
Samuel assisted them in their family preparations for the public
sacrifice, and, it is probable, chose out David, and anointed him,
at the family-solemnities, before the sacrifice was offered or the
holy feast solemnized. Perhaps he offered private sacrifices, like
Job, <i>according to the number of them all</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Job.1.5" parsed="|Job|1|5|0|0" passage="Job 1:5">Job i. 5</scripRef>), and, under colour of that, called
for them all to appear before him. When signal blessings are coming
into a family they ought to sanctify themselves.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iSam.xvii-p0.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.6-1Sam.16.13" parsed="|1Sam|16|6|16|13" passage="1Sa 16:6-13" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.16.6-1Sam.16.13">
<h4 id="iSam.xvii-p9.4">David Anointed by Samuel. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p9.5">b. c.</span> 1065.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xvii-p10">6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that
he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p10.1">Lord</span>'s anointed <i>is</i> before him.   7
But the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p10.2">Lord</span> said unto Samuel, Look
not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I
have refused him: for <i>the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p10.3">Lord</span>
seeth</i> not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward
appearance, but the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p10.4">Lord</span> looketh on
the heart.   8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass
before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p10.5">Lord</span> chosen this.   9 Then Jesse made
Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p10.6">Lord</span> chosen this.   10 Again, Jesse made
seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto
Jesse, The <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p10.7">Lord</span> hath not chosen
these.   11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all
<i>thy</i> children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest,
and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send
and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.  
12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he <i>was</i> ruddy,
<i>and</i> withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look
to. And the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p10.8">Lord</span> said, Arise, anoint
him: for this <i>is</i> he.   13 Then Samuel took the horn of
oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit
of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p10.9">Lord</span> came upon David from
that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p11">If the sons of Jesse were told that God
would provide himself a king among them (as he had said, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.1" parsed="|1Sam|16|1|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>), we may well suppose
they all made the best appearance they could, and each hoped he
should be the man; but here we are told,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p12">I. How all the elder sons, who stood
fairest for the preferment, were passed by.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p13">1. Eliab, the eldest, was privately
presented first to Samuel, probably none being present but Jesse
only, and Samuel thought he must needs be the man: <i>Surely this
is the Lord's anointed,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.6" parsed="|1Sam|16|6|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:6"><i>v.</i>
6</scripRef>. The prophets themselves, when they spoke from under
the divine direction, were as liable to mistake as other men; as
Nathan, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.7.3" parsed="|2Sam|7|3|0|0" passage="2Sa 7:3">2 Sam. vii. 3</scripRef>. But
God rectified the prophet's mistake by a secret whisper to his
mind: <i>Look not on his countenance,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.7" parsed="|1Sam|16|7|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. It was strange that Samuel, who
had been so wretchedly disappointed in Saul, whose countenance and
stature recommended him as much as any man's could, should be so
forward to judge of a man by that rule. When God would please the
people with a king he chose a comely man; but, when he would have
one after his own heart, he should not be chosen by the outside.
Men judge by the sight of the eyes, but God does not, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p13.4" osisRef="Bible:Isa.11.3" parsed="|Isa|11|3|0|0" passage="Isa 11:3">Isa. xi. 3</scripRef>. <i>The Lord looks on the
heart,</i> that is, (1.) He knows it. We can tell how men look, but
he can tell what they are. Man looks on the eyes (so the original
word is), and is pleased with the liveliness and sprightliness that
appear in them; but God looks on the heart, and sees the thoughts
and intents of that. (2.) He judges of men by it. The good
disposition of the heart, the holiness or goodness of that,
recommends us to God, and is <i>in his sight of great price</i>
(<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p13.5" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.3.4" parsed="|1Pet|3|4|0|0" passage="1Pe 3:4">1 Pet. iii. 4</scripRef>), not the
majesty of the look, or the strength and stature of the body. Let
us reckon that to be true beauty which is within, and judge of men,
as far as we are capable, by their minds, not their mien.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p14">2. When Eliab was set aside, Abinadab and
Shammah, and, after them, four more of the sons of Jesse, seven in
all, were presented to Samuel, as likely for his purpose; but
Samuel, who not attended more carefully than he did at first to the
divine direction, rejected them all: <i>The Lord has not chosen
these,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.8 Bible:1Sam.16.10" parsed="|1Sam|16|8|0|0;|1Sam|16|10|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:8,10"><i>v.</i> 8,
10</scripRef>. Men dispose of their honours and estates to their
sons according to their seniority of age and priority of birth, but
God does not. <i>The elder shall serve the younger.</i> Had it been
left to Samuel, or Jesse, to make the choice, one of these would
certainly have been chosen; but God will magnify his sovereignty in
passing by some that were most promising as well as in fastening on
others that were less so.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p15">II. How David at length was pitched upon.
He was the youngest of all the sons of Jesse; his name signifies
<i>beloved,</i> for he was a type of the beloved Son. Observe, 1.
How he was in the fields, <i>keeping the sheep</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.11" parsed="|1Sam|16|11|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>), and was left there,
though there was a sacrifice and a feast at his father's house. The
youngest are commonly the fondlings of the family, but, it should
seem, David was least set by of all the sons of Jesse; either they
did not discern or did not duly value the excellent spirit he was
of. Many a great genius lies buried in obscurity and contempt; and
God often exalts those whom men despise and gives <i>abundant
honour to that part which lacked.</i> The Son of David was he whom
men despised, <i>the stone which the builders refused,</i> and yet
he has <i>a name above every name.</i> David was taken <i>from
following ewes to feed Jacob</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.78.71" parsed="|Ps|78|71|0|0" passage="Ps 78:71">Ps.
lxxviii. 71</scripRef>), as Moses from keeping the flock of Jethro,
an instance of his humility and industry, both which God delights
to put honour upon. We should think a military life, but God saw a
pastoral life (which gives advantage for contemplation and
communion with heaven), the best preparative for kingly power, at
least for those graces of the Spirit which are necessary to the due
discharge of that trust which attends it. David was keeping sheep,
though it was a time of sacrifice; for there is mercy that takes
precedence of sacrifice. 2. How earnest Samuel was to have him sent
for: "<i>We will not sit down</i> to meat" (perhaps it was not the
feast upon the sacrifice, but a common meal) "<i>till he come
hither;</i> for, if all the rest be rejected, this must be he." He
that designed not to sit at table at all is now waited for as the
principal guest. If God will exalt those of low degree, who can
hinder? 3. What appearance he made when he did come. No notice is
taken of his clothing. No doubt that was according to his
employment, mean and coarse, as shepherds' coats commonly are, and
he did not change his clothes as Joseph did (<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p15.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.41.14" parsed="|Gen|41|14|0|0" passage="Ge 41:14">Gen. xli. 14</scripRef>), but he had a very honest look,
not stately, as Saul's, but sweet and lovely: <i>He was ruddy, of a
beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p15.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.12" parsed="|1Sam|16|12|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>), that is, he had a
clear complexion, a good eye, and a lovely face; the features were
extraordinary, and there was something in his looks that was very
charming. Though he was so far from using any art to help his
beauty that his employment exposed it to the sun and wind, yet
nature kept its own, and, by the sweetness of his aspect, gave
manifest indications of an amiable temper and disposition of mind.
Perhaps his modest blush, when he was brought before Samuel, and
received by him with surprising respect, made him look much the
handsomer. 4. The anointing of him. The Lord told Samuel in his ear
(as he had done, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p15.5" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.9.15" parsed="|1Sam|9|15|0|0" passage="1Sa 9:15"><i>ch.</i> ix.
15</scripRef>) that this was he whom he must anoint, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p15.6" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.12" parsed="|1Sam|16|12|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>. Samuel objects not the
meanness of his education, his youth, or the little respect he had
in his own family, but, in obedience to the divine command, took
his horn of oil and <i>anointed him</i> (<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p15.7" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.13" parsed="|1Sam|16|13|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>), signifying thereby, (1.) A
divine designation to the government, after the death of Saul, of
which hereby he gave him a full assurance. Not that he was at
present invested with the royal power, but it was entailed upon
him, to come to him in due time. (2.) A divine communication of
gifts and graces, to fit him for the government, and make him a
type of him who was to be the Messiah, the anointed One, who
received the Spirit, not by measure, but without measure. He is
said to be anointed <i>in the midst of his brethren,</i> who yet,
possibly, did not understand it as a designation to the government,
and therefore did not envy David (as Joseph's brethren did him),
because they saw no further marks of dignity put upon him, no, not
so much as a coat of divers colours. But bishop Patrick reads it,
<i>He anointed him from the midst of his brethren,</i> that is, he
singled him out from the rest, and privately anointed him, but with
a charge to keep his own counsel, and not to let his own brethren
know it, as by what we find (<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p15.8" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.17.28" parsed="|1Sam|17|28|0|0" passage="1Sa 17:28"><i>ch.</i> xvii. 28</scripRef>), it should seem, Eliab
did not. It is computed that David now was about twenty years old;
if so, his troubles by Saul lasted ten years, for he was thirty
years old when Saul died. Dr. Lightfoot reckons that he was about
twenty-five, and that his troubles lasted but five years. 5. The
happy effects of this anointing: <i>The Spirit of the Lord came
upon David from that day forward,</i> <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p15.9" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.13" parsed="|1Sam|16|13|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>. The anointing of him was not
an empty ceremony, but a divine power went along with that
instituted sign, and he found himself inwardly advanced in wisdom,
and courage, and concern for the public, with all the
qualifications of a prince, though not at all advanced in his
outward circumstances. This would abundantly satisfy him that his
election was of God. The best evidence of our being predestinated
to the kingdom of glory is our being sealed with the Spirit of
promise, and our experience of a work of grace in our own hearts.
Some think that his courage, by which he slew the lion and the
bear, and his extraordinary skill in music, were the effects and
evidences of the Spirit's coming upon him. However, this made him
the sweet psalmist of Israel, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p15.10" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.23.1" parsed="|2Sam|23|1|0|0" passage="2Sa 23:1">2 Sam.
xxiii. 1</scripRef>. Samuel, having done this, went to Ramah in
safety, and we never read of him again but once (<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p15.11" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.19.18" parsed="|1Sam|19|18|0|0" passage="1Sa 19:18"><i>ch.</i> xix. 18</scripRef>), till we read of his
death; now he retired to die in peace, since his eyes had seen the
salvation, even the sceptre brought into the tribe of Judah.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iSam.xvii-p0.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.14-1Sam.16.23" parsed="|1Sam|16|14|16|23" passage="1Sa 16:14-23" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:1Sam.16.14-1Sam.16.23">
<h4 id="iSam.xvii-p15.13">Saul Troubled by an Evil
Spirit. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p15.14">b. c.</span> 1065.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iSam.xvii-p16">14 But the Spirit of the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p16.1">Lord</span> departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from
the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p16.2">Lord</span> 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,
<i>which are</i> before thee, to seek out a man, <i>who is</i> a
cunning player on a 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 <i>him</i> to
me.   18 Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold,
I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, <i>that is</i> cunning
in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent
in matters, and a comely person, and the <span class="smallcaps" id="iSam.xvii-p16.3">Lord</span> <i>is</i> with him.   19 Wherefore
Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son,
which <i>is</i> with the sheep.   20 And Jesse took an ass
<i>laden</i> with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent
<i>them</i> 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 <i>evil</i> spirit
from God was upon Saul, that David took a harp, and played with his
hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit
departed from him.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p17">We have here Saul falling and David
rising.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p18">I. Here is Saul made a terror to himself
(<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.14" parsed="|1Sam|16|14|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>): <i>The
Spirit of the Lord departed from him.</i> 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, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:2Sam.7.15" parsed="|2Sam|7|15|0|0" passage="2Sam 7:15">2 Sam. vii. 15</scripRef>); 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 <i>an evil spirit from God troubled
him.</i> Those that drive the good Spirit away from them 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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iSam.xvii-p19">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 (<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p19.1" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.15" parsed="|1Sam|16|15|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:15"><i>v.</i>
15</scripRef>), <i>an evil spirit,</i> not by chance but <i>from
God</i> and his providence, <i>troubleth thee.</i> Now, 1. The
means they all advised him to for his relief was music (<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p19.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.16" parsed="|1Sam|16|16|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>): "Let us have a
<i>cunning player on the harp</i> 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, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p19.3" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.15.28" parsed="|1Sam|15|28|0|0" passage="1Sa 15:28"><i>ch.</i> xv. 28</scripRef>. It is a very high
character which the servant of Saul's here gives of David
(<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p19.4" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.18" parsed="|1Sam|16|18|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>), 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) <i>the Lord is with him.</i> 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, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p19.5" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.14.52" parsed="|1Sam|14|52|0|0" passage="1Sa 14:52"><i>ch.</i> xiv. 52</scripRef>. 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, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p19.6" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.20" parsed="|1Sam|16|20|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>.
The present was, according to the usage of those times, bread and
wine (compare, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p19.7" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.10.3-1Sam.10.4" parsed="|1Sam|10|3|10|4" passage="1Sa 10:3,4"><i>ch.</i> x. 3,
4</scripRef>), 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, <i>Send me David thy son,</i> 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 (<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p19.8" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.21" parsed="|1Sam|16|21|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>), <i>loved him greatly,</i> and
designed to <i>make him his armour-bearer,</i> and (contrary to the
manner of the king, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p19.9" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.8.11" parsed="|1Sam|8|11|0|0" passage="1Sa 8:11"><i>ch.</i> viii.
11</scripRef>) asked his father's leave to keep him in his service
(<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p19.10" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.22" parsed="|1Sam|16|22|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>): <i>Let
David, I pray thee, stand before me.</i> And good reason he had to
respect him, for he did him a great deal of service with his music,
<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p19.11" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.16.23" parsed="|1Sam|16|23|0|0" passage="1Sa 16:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>. 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, <scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p19.12" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.3.15" parsed="|2Kgs|3|15|0|0" passage="2Ki 3:15">2 Kings iii. 15</scripRef>. 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
(<scripRef id="iSam.xvii-p19.13" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.19.9-1Sam.19.10" parsed="|1Sam|19|9|19|10" passage="1Sa 19:9,10"><i>ch.</i> xix. 9, 10</scripRef>),
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.</p>
</div></div2>