1 Samuel 16
DOYLY— in the midst of his brethren.] It should have been translated, from the midst of his brethren; that is, he singled him out from the rest, and privately anointed him. For it is manifest that Samuel was afraid to have it known, and therefore did not anoint him publicly in the midst of his brethren. And by Eliab’s treatment of David after this, chap. xvii. 28, it plainly enough appears that he did not know him to be the king elect of God’s people. Bp. Patrick.
— the Spirit of the Lord came upon David] God, by the influence of His power and Spirit, inspired a disposition into David, as He had before inspired into Saul, after his consecration, worthy of royalty. He no longer considered himself as a shepherd, but as destined to be a king; and was enticed with courage, resolution, and prudence to fit him for the events which awaited him, and for the government of God’s people, whenever he should be promoted to that dignity. Dr. Chandler.
The Spirit of the Lord coming upon David, accounts for the extraordinary effects and endowments, which immediately followed after his designation to the throne: otherwise it would indeed be difficult to explain, how a designation to empire, which in common circumstances is too apt to debase, corrupt, and overset with vanity, should raise an obscure uneducated youth, in an obscure age and country, without the advantage either of instruction or example, into the greatest musician, the noblest poet, and the most consummate hero of all antiquity. Stackhouse.
Chap. XVII. ver. 1. — Shochoh and Azekah.] These places lay to the south of Jerusalem, and east of Beth-lehem; about four leagues from the former, and five from the latter. Calmet.
1 Samuel 16:14
- — an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him.] An evil spirit, by permission of God, troubled him by causing in him, or putting into his mind, suspicious, timorous, envious, and melancholy thoughts. Dr. Wells. The obstinate infatuation, afterwards displayed
gers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. Before CHRIST about 1065.
1 Samuel 16:23
- — the evil spirit departed from him.] The bad effects of the melancholy and disorder caused by the evil spirit departed from him for a time, being removed by the alteration which the musick made in his animal spirits. Dr. Wells.
The original use of musick was probably to compose the spirits, and to render the mind sedate, at the solemnities of religion, sacrifice, &c.; afterwards, to soothe and tranquillize the imagination and the fancy, for purposes of repose: and this appears still to be the character in which Eastern musick excels, where not science, but expression prevails. Saul was at this time an hypochondriack, whose low spirits were relieved by the cheerful and animating vibrations of the young shepherd’s careless harp; and it may easily be conceived
Goliath defieth Israel. David being sent to Before CHRIST about 1063. sheweth the reason of his confidence. 38 Without armour, armed by faith, he slayeth the giant. 55 Saul taketh notice of David. Or, the coast of Dammim. ranged the battle. clothed. Or, garget.
NOW the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in || Ephes-dammim.