18 Then one of the young men said , "Behold , I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician , a mighty man of valor , a warrior , one prudent in speech , and a handsome man ; and the Lord is with him." 19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said , "Send me your son David who is with the flock ." 20 Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread and a jug of wine and a young goat , and sent them to Saul by David his son . 21 Then David came to Saul and attended him; and Saul loved him greatly , and he became his armor bearer . 22 Saul sent to Jesse , saying , "Let David now stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight ." 23 So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul , David would take the harp and play it with his hand ; and Saul would be refreshed and be well , and the evil spirit would depart from him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 16:18-23
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.