15 And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
15 Saul's attendants said to him, "See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you.
15 And Saul's servants said to him, "Behold now, a harmful spirit from God is tormenting you.
15 Saul's advisors said, "This awful tormenting depression from God is making your life miserable.
15 And Saul's servants said to him, "Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you.
15 Some of Saul's servants said to him, "A tormenting spirit from God is troubling you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:15
Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:14-23
(Read 1 Samuel 16:14-23)
Saul is made a terror to himself. The Spirit of the Lord departed from him. 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 the corrupt humours of his body, and passions of his mind. He grew fretful, peevish, and discontented, and at times a madman. It is a pity that music, which may be serviceable to the good temper of the mind, should ever be abused, to support vanity and luxury, and made an occasion of drawing the heart from God and serious things. That is driving away the good Spirit, not the evil spirit. Music, diversions, company, or business, have for a time often been employed to quiet the wounded conscience; but nothing can effect a real cure but the blood of Christ, applied in faith, and the sanctifying Spirit sealing the pardon, by his holy comforts. All other plans to dispel religious melancholy are sure to add to distress, either in this world or the next.