Then answered one of the servants
Which the Jews say F13 was Doeg the Edomite, who out of
envy and ill will to David spake of him, that Saul might have an
opportunity of slaying him; but this is not at all likely; rather
it was one of David's friends and acquaintance, that was desirous
of promoting him at court, and no doubt was directed to that
motion by the overruling providence of God:
and said, behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the
Bethlehemite;
he does not mention the name of his son, but so describes him,
that he might be easily known by those who knew anything of the
family of Jesse; besides it was sufficient that he was one of
Jesse's sons, to find him out:
[that is] cunning in playing;
that is, on the harp; has good skill in music, and is expert in
it:
and a mighty valiant man;
as appeared by his encountering with and slaying the lion and the
bear; an event now past, as very probable:
and a man of war
some think this character of him was given after the affair of
his fighting with Goliath and killing him, but here put by a
prolepsis or anticipation; and indeed if David had been taken
into Saul's court before that affair, it is difficult to account
for Saul's ignorance of him, since he must be so near him, and so
often with him, as his musician and armourbearer; though that
difficulty may be removed, as may be observed in its proper
place:
and prudent in matters;
in his talk and conversation, and conduct and behaviour; knew how
to carry himself, even in a prince's court: and a comely person;
which always recommended to the courts of the eastern nations;
(See Gill on Daniel
1:4).
and the Lord is with him;
prospering and succeeding him in whatsoever he is engaged; and
seeing the Lord was with him, it might be expected the evil
spirit would depart from Saul, when this person, with whom the
Lord was, was in his presence. The Targum is,
``the Word of the Lord is for his help;''all that is said of him showed that he was fit to be in the palace of a king, and a proper person to be with Saul in his present circumstances.