14 Meanwhile, Yahweh’s spirit left Sha’ul, and instead an evil spirit from Yahweh tormented him, 15 and his servants told him, “Look, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our master please get your servants to find a man who knows how to play the harp. Then, whenever the evil spirit from God is on you, then he’ll play it and it’ll be good for you.”

17 “Okay,” Sha’ul responded, “Find a man for me who’s good at playing it, and bring him to me.”

18 Then one of his servants spoke up, “Listen, I’ve noticed one of the sons of Yishay in Bethlehem who knows how to play. He’s also a very powerful warrior, as well as being good looking and wise in what he says. And Yahweh is with him.”

19 So Sha’ul sent messengers to Yishay to tell him, “Your son David who looks after your flock, send him to me.” 20 So Yishay loaded a donkey with bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat, and sent them to King Sha’ul with his son David. 21 When David got to the king, he became his servant, and he was liked so much that he was appointed as the one who carried the king’s equipment. 22 Sha’ul sent a message back to Yishay, saying, “Let David remain in my service, because I really like him.” 23 Then whenever the spirit from God tormented Sha’ul, David would take the harp and play it. That would bring relief to Sha’ul and make him feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.