1 Samuel 16:15
And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁא֖וּל
And Saul's
H7586
שָׁא֖וּל
And Saul's
Strong's:
H7586
Word #:
3 of 10
shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites
נָ֧א
H4994
נָ֧א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
6 of 10
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
רֽוּחַ
spirit
H7307
רֽוּחַ
spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
7 of 10
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
from God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
from God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
8 of 10
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
Historical Context
Court servants would have observed Saul's transformation from capable king to tormented ruler. Their willingness to name the problem suggests it was publicly evident and concerning to the administration. Ancient cultures widely recognized music's therapeutic properties.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern between physical, psychological, and spiritual causes of mental distress?
- What role does music play in your spiritual and emotional health?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.
The servants' diagnosis reflects ancient understanding of spiritual causes for psychological disturbance. Their attribution to 'God' (Elohim) rather than 'the LORD' (Yahweh) may indicate less theological precision or simply common parlance. Their recognition of the problem's spiritual nature led to seeking a spiritual remedy - music's power to affect the soul. This passage becomes foundational for understanding music's ministry to troubled minds.