The Music Man (1 Samuel 16:14-23)

William Durant came from humble beginnings. His first job was piling lumber.^[1] But he became a powerful business leader who built and bought many companies. In 1904, he took control of the Buick Motor Company. In 1908, he founded General Motors.^[2] In 1909 he bought Cadillac. In 1918, against everyone’s advice, he bought a faltering, one-man company that developed the first self-contained refrigerator. Today we know that company by the name Frigidaire.^[3] In 1916, he also bought the Hyatt Roller Bearing Company.^[4] William didn’t only want their revolutionary tubular bearings, he also wanted the executive services of the man running Hyatt – Alfred Sloan.^[5]

By age 40, William was a millionaire. But his zeal and risk-taking didn’t always work out. He lacked the judgment to tell between good ideas and bad. He was erratic and impulsive in his decisions. His employees spoke of how difficult he was as a boss. It was as if he had a dual personality. Workers like Walter Chrysler quit because of his unpredictability and interference in their work.

His leadership didn’t only cause trouble with personnel. A lot of his choices didn’t pan out. GM ended 1921 with $200 million in unsold cars. Their stock fell from $85 a share to $7. With the company on the verge of collapse, William was forced out. He was the one that had hired his replacement. Alfred Sloan became president of GM, turned things around, and has since been called “The greatest business man in American history.”

William Durant’s leadership only worked when things around him were good. When the economy was booming, when investors were infusing the company with cash, it looked like his gambles couldn’t miss. But take away those external benefits and William’s empire crumbled – not once but twice. He actually gained and then lost control of the largest corporation in the world two times!^[6]

We have echoes of the Saul story here. Saul, who had flashes of success, has shown himself to be a failed leader on the spiritual level. In this text, Saul brings his replacement into the palace. Of course, Saul doesn’t know that – he acquires David because he wants David’s services.

It’s a compelling turn of events, historically speaking. But how does a text like this apply to our lives? We don’t really deal with this kind of palace intrigue today. Even so, there are significant spiritual principles to learn from both Saul and David here. And that’s what we want to do.

1 Samuel 16:14 – ¹⁴ Now the Spirit of the LORD had left Saul, and an evil spirit sent from the LORD began to torment him,

If you look up at verse 13, you will see the defining description of David. After he was anointed by Samuel, “the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully on him from that day forward.” The very next thing we’re told is that the Spirit of the LORD had left Saul. They are contrasted: A Spirit-filled life and a Spirit-empty life. A person who has a growing relationship with God and someone who doesn’t.

What does it mean to be a Spirit-filled Christian? Sometimes believers get confused or wonder if we really have the filling of the Spirit. We pray that God would fill us – not a bad prayer. There were times in Acts, after Pentecost, where the disciples were filled with the Spirit in a special way.^[7]

But listen: If you’ve been born again, that means the Spirit of the Living God dwells within you. Romans 8:9 says that if you don’t have the Spirit, you don’t belong to Christ.

But, that doesn’t mean we automatically have a proper, healthy, fruitful relationship with the Holy Spirit. He’s in you if you’re a Christian, but is He working in you? Are we fervent in the Spirit?^[8] We can grieve Him.^[9] We can quench the Spirit.^[10] We can resist Him.^[11] We can neglect His gifts.^[12]

When we see the difference between Saul and David, the conclusion we should come to is: I need God the Holy Spirit in my life. I need Him to be operating in me, growing me, teaching me.

Here at Calvary we are continuationists, meaning we believe the Holy Spirit didn’t just take a vacation after Acts 28, but that He still works and operates today as He did in the New Testament. That none of His gifts have ceased, but that they continue.

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit’s relationship to people was different. There wasn’t a permanent indwelling. That is a spiritual reality in the Church age. Jesus said after He left earth the Father would send the Holy Spirit and that He would be in us and remain with us.^[13]

Saul is an example of how we don’t want to be in our relationship with God. Not that God the Holy Spirit is going to abandon us, but we should look at this in the sense of damaging our relationship with Him, which will limit His activity in and through us.

Now, we see that the Spirit had not only left Saul, but that an “evil” spirit was sent by God to torment him. That’s an upsetting image. Why would God do that? Well first, let’s understand the terminology. The word for “evil” doesn’t have to refer to something morally wicked. In other words, this need not refer to a demonic spirit.^[14] In fact, in could refer to an angel of judgment.^[15] And the word used for “torment” could mean “terrified.”^[16]

Remember: Saul has repeatedly, decisively turned from obeying God. He will not listen. He will not humble himself. And now he is reaping the consequences of his rebellion.

Romans 1 explains that when a person or a people do not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God will deliver them over to a corrupt mind.^[17] It’s a sad and ugly thing to witness. It’s not because God is unfair or unloving, but because He will not force us to obey Him.

1 Samuel 16:15-16 – ¹⁵ so Saul’s servants said to him, “You see that an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. ¹⁶ Let our lord command your servants here in your presence to look for someone who knows how to play the lyre. Whenever the evil spirit from God comes on you, that person can play the lyre, and you will feel better.”

The servants come and say, “Hey we should do something about this troublesome spirit from God that comes on you.” They know why this is happening. But notice: They don’t encourage Saul to repent. That was the answer. If he would turn from his rebellion, if he would turn from his pride, if he would turn toward God and ask God for mercy, God would have given it! Instead they say, “Let’s figure out something to make you feel better.”

Our culture is all about feeling better. I’ll buy a thing, I’ll have an experience, I’ll take a pill, I’ll go to that place so that I can feel good. But the primary need in life is the spiritual need.

The Philistines were a problem. But the absence of the Spirit in his life was way worse than a Philistine invasion. Instead of finding a temporary way to feel better, he needed to be made whole.

Christians, our goal is not a ministry of warm and fuzzy feelings, it’s the light of the Gospel, which really transforms a life. Which really gives the proper perspective to life. Which really edifies a life.

Notice also: None of his servants could do the job. They have a plan, they were eager to help, but it’s theoretical at this point. “Maybe we can find someone.” It would seem none of them had the kind of communion with God which would’ve helped in this situation.

We don’t want to be the kind of people who have no spiritual help to give when those around us are in need. The people around us will need strength and comfort and truth and joy. Do we have those spiritual supplies to give? Or would we need to first go find someone who does have a relationship with God? You don’t have to be an apostle to be used by God to share the Gospel or give people spiritual help. Consider Philip. What was his qualification? He was full of the Holy Spirit.

1 Samuel 16:17 – ¹⁷ Then Saul commanded his servants, “Find me someone who plays well and bring him to me.”

When William Durant was forced out of GM, co-workers said he showed no grief on his face. He smiled pleasantly as he packed up his desk, as if it was a routine thing.

Saul gives the order, but doesn’t acknowledge his need. He doesn’t say, “You’re right. I need to get right with God.” He won’t humble himself. He wants to feel better, but he’s still not interested in going God’s way. He wants solutions without salvation, because salvation requires repentance.

1 Samuel 16:18 – ¹⁸ One of the young men answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is also a valiant man, a warrior, eloquent, handsome, and the LORD is with him.”

Did David do public music performances? It’s possible. The lad says, “I have seen this guy and he can really play that lyre.” Probably a six to eight string, plucked instrument.^[18]

Now, there’s some question about the timing of this story. We don’t know how much time has elapsed between verses 13 and 14. And in chapter 17 we’ll see Saul doesn’t know who David is. It’s possible this happens after the Goliath story.^[19]

What’s important is that David’s renown is starting to spread. People have heard of his skill in music. His skill in battle – either against the Philistines or the wild animals who came after his sheep.

Most of all, they know that the Lord is with him. We’ll be told that phrase, specifically, no less than five times in the David story. That’s what really made David the man he was.

David had a testimony.^[20] When people talked about him they said, “Oh, David? That guy has a relationship with God.” He had a lot of natural gifts, but it was the spiritual gifts that made the difference in his personal life, in his professional life, in his ability to lead, his ability to write, his ability to endure, and battle. The work of God in him is what made his human activity matter.

1 Samuel 16:19-20 – ¹⁹ Then Saul dispatched messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” ²⁰ So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a wineskin, and one young goat and sent them by his son David to Saul.

These items that Jesse sent may have been a gift to Saul, or they may have been provisions David needed for a time. Israel had not yet established a formal tax system to support the government.^[21]

But notice the items: A goat, bread, and wine. Where have we seen this group before? Well, on Saul’s first mission after being anointed. Samuel said, “You’re going to take this trip and you’ll meet some travelers and here’s what they’ll be carrying: Goats, bread, and a jug of wine.”

Listen: God wants to overflow our life with supernatural supplies of grace and joy and so many other things. But if we will not follow as disciples, if we will not obey Jesus, He will set us aside and work through others. And that should concern us very much. Saul could’ve been a great king. He could’ve had a great dynasty. He could’ve ended his story in victory instead of defeat. But he would not obey. He would not actually walk by faith. And so now he has been set aside. Disqualified.

Paul himself said, “I discipline my body and bring myself under control so that after preaching to others I myself will not be disqualified.”^[22] The term means rejected, failing the test, worthless.^[23]

1 Samuel 16:21-22 – ²¹ When David came to Saul and entered his service, Saul loved him very much, and David became his armor-bearer. ²² Then Saul sent word to Jesse: “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor with me.”

Saul would’ve had multiple weapons carriers.^[24] But this is a great honor and promotion.

Willian Durant used to lavish salaries on his employees. When bringing Walter Chrysler on board, Chrysler planned to ask for $50,000 a year. Durant offered him $500,000!

How sad that in a short time, Saul’s love for David will turn into hate. He’ll personally try to kill him. He’ll send the entire army out after him. But David was not Saul’s enemy. And David, despite having been anointed as king, did not try to push Saul out. David is ever-gracious to Saul.

But grace means giving kindness to those who don’t deserve it. We are called to a life of grace. When our boss is a jerk. When we don’t get recognition. When we’re wronged or mistreated. Grace upon grace multiplied to us to operate in us, not just for our feelings but toward others.

1 Samuel 16:23 – ²³ Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would pick up his lyre and play, and Saul would then be relieved, feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.

It would’ve been strange to work in the court of Saul in this period. You’re just waiting around for your king to go into some sort of tormented frenzy.

Alfred Sloan recalled how executives would just have to sit around William Durant’s office while his barber shaved him. Their scheduled work was neglected. Sometimes at their executive meetings, they’d just have to wait all day for the Chief to show up.

But notice how David carried himself. He did what he could to help Saul – truly. He would wait and watch, be attentive and sensitive. He wasn’t there to just enjoy the perks of the palace. He wasn’t just there to have a fancy title. He acted the way he did as a shepherd to sheep. When a lion came to get a lamb, he fought it off. And now, when the spirit came, David stood in the gap for Saul.

Now, obviously it’s not David accomplishing this. It’s not that he knew a special, anti-evil spirit melody. Though Amos tells us David was a great improviser.^[25] God was working through David. But consider that: God, Who was rightly bringing judgment on Saul was still willing to show grace and compassion to His enemy.

What God did through David was a gift of the Spirit.^[26] David himself was a gift given by God to Saul. A timely gift of compassionate grace.

What about you? What gift have you been given? If you’re a Christian you have one. Or how have your abilities and talents been marshaled to be deployed by the Holy Spirit for His purposes?

You know, David was afraid that the Spirit would leave him, probably because he watched it happen with Saul. We should be concerned not about the Spirit abandoning us – He won’t – but about us grieving Him, quenching Him, resisting Him. About us being non-operative when it comes to our spiritual growth and usefulness.

One way for us to stay in relationship with the Spirit is to remember that the highest ideal or goal for my day today is not just to feel better, but to function according to my calling and gifting. The gifts and callings the Holy Spirit has Personally given me are for my life. They’re for my faith. They’re for such a time as this. But we need to realize that to properly enjoy the work and power of the Holy Spirit requires a Biblical, Godly perspective. It requires that we allow Him to position us where He wants so that our gifts can bear fruit. As Paul wrote in Galatians:

Galatians 5:25 – ²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

And so, today is not only the day the Lord has made, it’s the day for me to walk with Him. Filled and functioning in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit Who is with me.