1 Samuel 16:22

The providence of God brings in David by means of one of Saul's servants who knew him, and presents him to Saul. Saul loves him and keeps him near. David becomes his armour-bearer, and he plays the harp when the evil spirit troubles Saul. David, in God's sight, is the anointed king, but he must suffer before he reigns, however great his energy may be.

David was unknown to Saul. Saul was told about his qualities (1 Sam. 16:18), and he loved David greatly (v. 21) for his goodness and for the care David showed him. Yet Saul forgot his origin so completely that he later asks Abner whose son he is (1 Sam. 17:55).

Even Saul, at a given moment (1 Sam. 16:21), "loved [David] greatly," because of the relief that he brings him in his sufferings. Michal loves David according to nature — which does not hinder her from despising him later on (2 Sam. 6:16). Jonathan loves him with the only love that is true, good, and lasting. He loves him as his own soul. He values him for what David is in himself.

His love for David was forgotten; his indebtedness to David was forgotten. David became in his envious mind a dangerous enemy aspiring to his throne. What a change in this poor, deranged man! Instead of love to David he expressed himself towards David in anger (1 Sam. 18:8), violence (1 Sam. 18:11), deceit (1 Sam. 18:21), and murder (1 Sam. 19:1, 10; 1 Sam. 20:33). Jesus, God's anointed Man, met the same treatment in a greater measure. In prophecy it could be said of Him, "They reward Me evil for good, and hatred for My love" (Ps. 109:5). The lesson from this tragic episode in Saul's life is that human nature by itself has no appreciation of Christ.

God prepared David for the kingdom, and He chose him for it Himself. That preparation did not happen in Saul's palace. It happened in the wilderness and in the valley of Elah. It is not that preparation is unnecessary, but that the preparation must be divine if we are to have divine suitability. God might use David's service and music to bring Saul relief, and perhaps to benefit David too. Even so, it did not move things forward at all. David leaves Saul's house and is forgotten by those whom he had benefited. There had been a false start, so there had to be a fresh beginning.

David had lived in the palace as the king's armour-bearer. Saul loved him greatly, and David had done him the most remarkable services. But he passes from this to the humble place of caring for his father's sheep in the wilderness. Out of sight, he serves with as much zeal and satisfaction as in the highest position. The easy way he moves from the one to the other proves the true metal of his soul, and the single purpose of a faithful servant in whatever he is called to do.

That Word does have an effect on people who listen — even people who are not saved. Saul was refreshed and his spirit improved when David played. In the same way, people of the world find themselves quieted and calmed when they hear the sweet strains of the Word of God from someone who knows it well. If this does not lead them by faith to receive the Lord Jesus, the effect is only temporary.