In times of loneliness, sadness, anguish and pain, God can soothe us through music. Just like how the lyre music of David soothe the anguish and pain of Saul. As the author and creator of both our bodies and music itself, God provided a prescription for our health that’s readily accessible to all people, regardless of the era in which we live. Dear Father in Heaven, thank You for creating music and using it to soothe my heart and mind during times of pain, anguish, distress and struggle. Thank you LORD.
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Text: 1 Samuel 16:14-23 New American Standard Bible
14 Now the Spirit of the Lord left Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord terrified him.
15 Saul’s servants then said to him, “Behold now, an evil spirit from God is terrifying you.
16 May our lord now command your servants who are before you. Have them search for a man who is a skillful musician on the harp; and it shall come about whenever the evil spirit from God is upon you, that he shall play the harp with his hand, and you will become well.”
17 So Saul said to his servants, “Now select for me a man who can play well, and bring him to me.”
18 Then one of the young men responded and said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is a skillful musician, a valiant mighty man, a warrior, skillful in speech, and a handsome man; and the Lord is with him.”
19 So Saul sent messengers to Jesse to say, “Send me your son David, who is with the flock.”
20 And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread and a jug of wine, and he took a young goat, and sent them to Saul by his son David.
21 Then David came to Saul and attended him; and Saul greatly loved him, and he became his armor bearer.
22 So Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David now be my attendant for he has found favor in my sight.”
23 So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would feel relieved and become well, and the evil spirit would leave him.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
[From Our daily Bread] When five-year-old Bella was hospitalized for cancer in North Dakota, she received music therapy as part of her treatment. Many people have experienced the powerful effect of music on mood without understanding exactly why, but researchers have recently documented a clinical benefit. Music is now being prescribed for cancer patients like Bella, and those suffering from Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and trauma.
King Saul reached for a musical prescription when he was feeling tormented. His attendants saw his lack of peace and suggested they find someone to play the lyre for him in the hope it would make him “feel better” (1 Samuel 16:16). They sent for Jesse’s son David, and Saul was pleased with him and asked that he “remain in [his] service” (v. 22). David played for Saul in his moments of unrest, bringing him relief from his anguish.
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We may only just be discovering scientifically what God has known all along about how music can affect us. As the author and creator of both our bodies and music itself, He provided a prescription for our health that’s readily accessible to all, regardless of the era in which we live or how easy it is to visit a doctor. Even when there’s no way to listen, we can sing to God in the midst of our joys and struggles, making music of our own (Psalm 59:16; Acts 16:25). By Kirsten Holmberg
[From Commentary] In the ancient Near East, it was common for court musicians to be hired for reasons such as entertainment or religious ceremonies. In the case of Saul in 1 Samuel 16, his attendants believed his mental torment would be eased by lyre music (v. 16). Since David was a skilled lyre player as well as a warrior (v. 18), he became both a musician and armor-bearer (the carrier of shield and weapons) for King Saul (vv. 21–23). David’s father, Jesse, sent gifts of food and wine with David (vv. 19–20), perhaps showing gratitude for the honor of having his son chosen to serve the king. by Monica La Rose
[From me] In times of loneliness, sadness, anguish and pain, God can soothe us through music. Just like how the lyre music of David soothe the anguish and pain of Saul. As the author and creator of both our bodies and music itself, God provided a prescription for our health that’s readily accessible to all people, regardless of the era in which we live. Dear Father in Heaven, thank You for creating music and using it to soothe my heart and mind during times of pain, anguish, distress and struggle. Thank you LORD.
Posted April 9, 2023
