1 Samuel 16:23

And it hath come to pass, in the spirit of [sadness from] God being on Saul, that David hath taken the harp, and played with his hand, and Saul hath refreshment and gladness, and the spirit of sadness hath turned aside from off him.

Young's Literal Translation

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 sendeth unto Jesse, saying, 'Let David, I pray thee, stand before me, for he hath found grace in mine eyes.'

Read all of 1 Samuel 16

Cross References

1 Samuel 18:10And it cometh to pass, on the morrow, that the spirit of sadness [from] God prospereth over Saul, and he prophesieth in the midst of the house, and David is playing with his hand, as day by day, and the javelin [is] in the hand of Saul,

Matthew 12:43'And, when the unclean spirit may go forth from the man, it doth walk through dry places seeking rest, and doth not find;

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