1 Samuel 16:16-23

New International Version

¹⁶ Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre.^(A) He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.”

¹⁷ So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.”

¹⁸ One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse^(B) of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior.^(C) He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with^(D) him.”

¹⁹ Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.^(E)” ²⁰ So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread,^(F) a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul.

²¹ David came to Saul and entered his service.^(G) Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. ²² Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”

²³ Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit^(H) would leave him.