1 Samuel 16:23

And so, whenever the evil spirit from the Lord assailed Saul, David took up his stringed instrument, and he struck it with his hand, and Saul was refreshed and uplifted. For the evil spirit withdrew from him.

Catholic Public Domain Version

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

22And Saul sent to Jesse, saying: “Let David remain before my sight. For he has found favor in my eyes.”

Read all of 1 Samuel 16

Cross References

1 Samuel 18:10Then, on the next day, the evil spirit from God assailed Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of his house. And David played with his hand, just as at every other time. And Saul held a lance in his hand.

Matthew 12:43Now when an unclean spirit departs from a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest, and he does not find it.

Matthew Henry on 1 Samuel 16:15-23

Saul Troubled by an Evil Spirit. ( b. c. 1065.) 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 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,… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 1 Samuel 16:23