1 Samuel 16:23
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֗ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֗ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בִּֽהְי֤וֹת
H1961
בִּֽהְי֤וֹת
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
ר֥וּחַ
And it came to pass when the evil spirit
H7307
ר֥וּחַ
And it came to pass when the evil spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
3 of 20
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
אֱלֹהִים֙
from God
H430
אֱלֹהִים֙
from God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 20
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְנִגֵּ֣ן
and played
H5059
וְנִגֵּ֣ן
and played
Strong's:
H5059
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, to thrum, i.e., beat a tune with the fingers; expectation. to play on a stringed instrument; hence (generally), to make music
בְּיָד֑וֹ
with his hand
H3027
בְּיָד֑וֹ
with his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
12 of 20
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְרָוַ֤ח
was refreshed
H7304
וְרָוַ֤ח
was refreshed
Strong's:
H7304
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, to breathe freely, i.e., revive; by implication, to have ample room
לְשָׁאוּל֙
so Saul
H7586
לְשָׁאוּל֙
so Saul
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
14 of 20
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
וְט֣וֹב
and was well
H2895
וְט֣וֹב
and was well
Strong's:
H2895
Word #:
15 of 20
to be (transitively, do or make) good (or well) in the widest sense
מֵֽעָלָ֖יו
H5921
מֵֽעָלָ֖יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 20
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
The harp (kinnor) produced soothing tones suited to calming agitation. David's skill, developed through years of wilderness praise, now served immediate therapeutic purpose. The pattern of relief followed by return of symptoms characterizes Saul's spiritual condition throughout his remaining reign.
Questions for Reflection
- How might your Spirit-filled worship serve as ministry to troubled souls around you?
- What does the temporary nature of Saul's relief teach about the limits of human remedies without genuine repentance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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.
The therapeutic effect of David's music - Saul 'refreshed' (rawach), made 'well' (tov), with the evil spirit departing - demonstrates music's genuine spiritual power. The Hebrew suggests physical relief and restored breathing, indicating psychosomatic healing. Yet this relief was temporary, requiring repeated ministry. David's faithful service despite Saul's deteriorating condition models perseverance in difficult ministry circumstances.