Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.
David, Jesse's son, was out tending the sheep when Saul sent messengers to fetch him to court. The call came while Saul was in a humbled and favorable frame of mind, after those who had witnessed his violent, melancholy distractions had advised music to soothe him. By God's providence David was then brought to Saul's notice as a skillful musician and as a valiant, prudent, capable and faithful man, especially guided by the Lord.
Saul soon loved David and made him his armor-bearer and attendant, thinking that one favored by God would be a safeguard to him and perhaps save his life from enemies. He also desired to have near him one who would know from the Lord how to direct the kingdom according to His will. David did not remain continuously at court but served there only when needed as a harp player, returning to his flocks when his services were not required.
His skillful playing upon the harp soothed Saul's troubled spirit, dispelling the gloom and bringing his excited mind into a more rational and happy state. Under the influence of the sacred music Saul expressed devotion in praise and prayer, but when the excitement passed his former disposition returned. The summons belongs to the account of David as the shepherd lad to whom God had promised the throne, set against Saul as the established monarch determined to keep his power. David's situation shows that trust in God's word can stand against human power even when the believer appears far weaker.
David, Jesse's son, was out tending the sheep when Saul sent messengers to fetch him to court. The call came while Saul was in a humbled and favorable frame of mind, after those who had witnessed his violent, melancholy distractions had advised music to soothe him. By God's providence David was then brought to Saul's notice as a skillful musician and as a valiant, prudent, capable and faithful man, especially guided by the Lord.
Saul soon loved David and made him his armor-bearer and attendant, thinking that one favored by God would be a safeguard to him and perhaps save his life from enemies. He also desired to have near him one who would know from the Lord how to direct the kingdom according to His will. David did not remain continuously at court but served there only when needed as a harp player, returning to his flocks when his services were not required.
His skillful playing upon the harp soothed Saul's troubled spirit, dispelling the gloom and bringing his excited mind into a more rational and happy state. Under the influence of the sacred music Saul expressed devotion in praise and prayer, but when the excitement passed his former disposition returned. The summons belongs to the account of David as the shepherd lad to whom God had promised the throne, set against Saul as the established monarch determined to keep his power. David's situation shows that trust in God's word can stand against human power even when the believer appears far weaker.