1 Samuel 16:23

When the spirit from God was on Saul, David took the harp and played with his hand; so Saul was refreshed and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

World English Bible

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

22Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.”

Read all of 1 Samuel 16

Cross References

1 Samuel 18:10On the next day, an evil spirit from God came mightily on Saul, and he prophesied in the middle of the house. David played with his hand, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand;

Matthew 12:43“When an unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest, and doesn’t 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