1 Samuel 16:14-23

14The Spirit of the Lord had now gone away from Saul. The Lord sent an evil spirit to Saul. It gave Saul trouble and fear in his mind.

15Saul's servants said to him, ‘We know that God has sent an evil spirit which is giving you much trouble.

16If you agree, we will look for a man who can make music on a harp. When the evil spirit gives you trouble, this man can make music. Then you will not feel so upset.’

17Saul agreed and he said to his servants, ‘Find someone who can make good music with a harp. Then bring him to me.’

18One of the servants said, ‘I know one man who can play a harp very well. He is one of Jesse's sons, who lives in Bethlehem. This man is a brave soldier. He speaks well and he is handsome. The Lord is with him.’

19So Saul sent his men to Jesse with this message: ‘Tell your son David to come to me. That is your son who takes care of your sheep.’

20So Jesse took some loaves of bread, a bag with wine in it, and a young goat. He put them on the back of a donkey and he sent them to Saul with his son David.

21David went to Saul. He became Saul's servant. Saul loved David. David carried Saul's armour for him.

22Then Saul sent a message to Jesse. He said, ‘I am very pleased with David. Let him stay here as my servant.’

23So, when the evil spirit brought trouble to Saul, David made music on his harp. Then Saul would feel happier and the evil spirit would leave him.