1 Samuel 16:23

And so it used to be, when a superhuman spirit came unto Saul, then would David take the lyre, and play with his hand,—and Saul would be refreshed, and be joyful, and, the sad spirit, would depart from him.

The Emphasised Bible by J. B. Rotherham

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 unto Jesse, saying,—I pray thee, let David stand before me, for he hath found favour in mine eyes.

Read all of 1 Samuel 16

Cross References

1 Samuel 18:10And, when it came to pass, on the morrow, that a superhuman spirit of sadness came suddenly upon Saul, and he was moved to raving in the midst of the house,—and, David, began playing with his hand, as he had done day by day, that a spear being in Saul’s hand,

Matthew 12:43But, when the impure spirit goeth out of the man, it passeth through waterless places, seeking rest,—and findeth it not.

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