David Serves Saul

Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a spirit of distress[fn] from the LORD began to torment him. 15 Saul’s servants said to him,“Surely a spirit of distress from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord command your servants here to seek out someone who can skillfully play the harp. Whenever the spirit of distress from God is upon you, he is to play it, and you [will be] well.”

17 

And Saul commanded his servants,“Find me someone who plays well, and bring [him] to me.”

18 

One of the servants answered,“I have seen a son of Jesse vvv of Bethlehem who knows how to play [the harp]. He is a mighty man of valor, a warrior eloquent and handsome, and the LORD is with him.”

19 

So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said,“Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.”

20 

And Jesse took a donkey [loaded with] bread, a skin of wine, and one young goat and sent them to Saul with his son David. 21 When David came to Saul and entered his service Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer

22 

Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying,“Let David remain in my service for I am pleased with him.” 23 And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play Then Saul would find relief and feel better and the spirit of distress would depart from him. 17