1 Samuel 16:15-18
Verse 17 So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.”
As part of God’s plan of preparing David for being king of His people, the Lord has given David a very special gift. This shepherd boy was gifted in the area of music. Not only could he play the lyre, he wrote music and songs.
We all know the power of music to transform our mood, even our driving can be affected by the style of music we are listening to in the car. This concept of setting the mood with music is far from modern, as we see that even King Saul knew the benefits of using God’s gift of music to soothe the soul. That is why when the evil spirit came to torment Saul, he called for those attending him to request some music.
Our world is full of music so we may not appreciate the lack of music that was at hand in the days of David. While nearly everyone in our time has access to at least one radio or music sourcing device, for a non-musical person like Saul, they would have to hire someone to give them the music needed to reach the desired peace of mind and heart. The very fact that God didn’t create Saul with his own musical ability shows His attention to detail. If not for this need of music, David could have been quite unprepared for what it meant to be a king.
So the servants were charged with finding a person to serve the king in this very special way. One of them seems to know a bit about David. He has personal knowledge of David’s abilities as he had seen him play his lyre and found it good enough for a recommendation to the king who was given to fluctuating moods. How this servant knew the shepherd boy is unclear but he gives the young man a glowing resume, a resume that shows that David has aged some from his battle with the giant, Goliath.
This resume included being a brave man, a warrior, one who speaks well, is fine-looking and of course plays the lyre. But it doesn’t stop there, the servant also knew the truth of David’s character, the Lord is with him. This servant knew that the only true comfort from a tormenting spirit could come from the God of Heaven.
Making It Personal
What part does music play in your life? Do you find different kinds of songs can change your mood for the better or worse? How can you use music to bless someone else in the name of Christ?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you like music? Do different kinds of music change your mood? How can you use music to help someone get to know Jesus?
Closing Prayer
Father, we thank You for music and the ways it can shape our mood and spirit. We praise You that You desire to receive music from us to bring You glory and that You have inspired people through the ages to compose music that can calm our hearts, lift our spirits and even remind us of who You are. Help us share who You are through music. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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