Who Are Saul and David?
Before we talk about the music, we need the people.
King Saul (Shaul) is the first king of Israel.
He is tall, impressive, and chosen by God—but he struggles with fear, insecurity, and disobedience.David (David HaMelech) is still a teenage shepherd at this point.
He is not yet king. He is not famous. He is the youngest in his family.
Earlier in the chapter, the prophet Samuel secretly anoints David as the future king. No announcement. No crown. David goes right back to tending sheep.
Then the Torah tells us something striking:
“The spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrified him.”
(I Samuel 16:14)
This verse often confuses beginners, so let’s slow down.
What Is the “Evil Spirit” in Jewish Thought?
Judaism does not usually read this as a demon possession.
The classical Jewish commentators (like Rashi, Radak, and Malbim) explain:
Saul is overwhelmed by ruach ra’ah—a troubled spirit
This can mean deep anxiety, depression, paranoia, or spiritual disconnection
Saul’s inner world is falling apart
In modern terms, we might say:
Saul is experiencing a mental and emotional collapse brought on by fear, guilt, and insecurity.
This is important: the Bible is honest about leaders who struggle emotionally. Saul is not evil—he is fragile.
Why Music? Judaism and the Power of Song
Saul’s servants suggest a solution:
“Let our lord command your servants to seek a man who is skilled in playing the lyre. When the troubled spirit comes upon you, he will play, and you will feel better.”
Music in Judaism is not decoration—it is spiritual medicine.
We see this throughout Jewish tradition:
The Levites sang in the Temple
Psalms are meant to be sung, not just read
Joy (simcha) is considered a religious value
The Talmud teaches that prophecy only rests on a person who is in a state of joy. Music helps open the soul.
So they bring David.
Why David? What Makes Him the Right Person?
The servant describes David with surprising depth:
“I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is skilled in music, a mighty warrior, wise in speech, and the Lord is with him.”
David is:
A shepherd (someone who protects the vulnerable)
A musician (emotionally sensitive)
Spiritually connected
Midrash teaches that David played not just notes, but intention—his music came from humility and faith.
David does not play for fame.
He plays to heal.
David Plays—and Saul Finds Relief
The Torah says:
“Whenever the spirit came upon Saul, David would take the lyre and play with his hand. Saul would find relief, and the troubled spirit would depart.”
This is one of the most tender moments in Tanakh.
Think about it:
The future king serves the current king
The one who will replace Saul does not rush him
David brings comfort, not rivalry
Judaism values this deeply:
True greatness is the ability to serve even those who may later oppose you.
David shows patience, respect, and compassion.
A Tragic Irony: Music Soothes, but Does Not Transform
Here is a hard truth the story teaches.
David’s music helps Saul temporarily—but Saul does not change internally.
Music can calm the soul, but it cannot replace:
Self-reflection
Responsibility
Moral growth
Later, Saul will grow jealous of David.
Later, Saul will try to kill the very person who once soothed him.
Judaism is honest:
Comfort without inner work does not last.
Lessons for Beginners
1. Mental and emotional struggle are part of the human story
Even kings suffer. Judaism does not shame this.
2. Music is spiritual healing
Song reaches places words cannot.
3. Leadership begins with humility
David does not demand his future—he earns it through service.
4. You can help someone without controlling their choices
David does what he can. Saul must do the rest.
5. God works quietly
David is already chosen—but nothing looks dramatic yet.
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