We read here that Saul was tormented by an evil Spirit that was ‘from the Lord’. To distract Saul from his torments Saul’s officials call for a harpist, and David happens to be the one called in for this task. The contrast here between Saul and David is again being shown here and in a remarkable way. To make Saul’s problem manifest, and to make the difference between David and Saul manifest, God allows an evil Spirit to torment Saul. Saul, since he is given over to pride, is helpless against this demonic tormentor. David, however, only has to play his harp and that same enemy is vanquished. Saul, the powerful man of war, is a victim to his demon, while David, the worshipper of God, is triumphant. This is an indication of where David’s strength comes from. Because he is surrendered to God in worship he will never have to surrender to any foe. In a world where military victory was always seen as the victory of one god over another, this story speaks powerfully to Saul’s powerlessness and David’s power. And it speaks clearly to the source of that power. When Jesus once cast out a demon, the onlookers remarked: “Could this be the Son of David?” (Matthew 12:23). That same anointing by which David and, to a greater measure, Jesus, were enabled to do what they did is also given to us in the Holy Spirit. If you surrender to the work of God’s spirit in your life you will never be a victim to any spiritual enemy or scheme.
Ask God to strengthen and guide you by his Spirit to serve him today.
Read 1 Samuel 16:14-23
