1 Samuel 16:14

14 The Lord's spirit left Saul, and an evil spirit sent by the Lord tormented him.

1 Samuel 16:14 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 16:14

But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul
As a spirit of prophecy as at first, as a spirit of wisdom and prudence in civil government, and as a spirit of fortitude and courage, as the Targum:

and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him;
the reverse of the former, which by the permission of God, and as a punishment to him for his sins, came upon him; he seemed to be a demoniac, as Josephus represents ^F9 him, as if possessed with the devil; by whom he was almost suffocated and strangled, as well as was distracted in his counsels, and became weak and foolish; lost all courage and greatness of mind, was timorous and fearful, and alarmed by everything, and was full of envy, suspicion, rage, and despair.

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 Antiqu. l. 6. c. 8. sect. 2.

1 Samuel 16:14 In-Context

12 So Jesse sent for him. He was a handsome, healthy young man, and his eyes sparkled. The Lord said to Samuel, "This is the one - anoint him!"

13 Samuel took the olive oil and anointed David in front of his brothers. Immediately the spirit of the Lord took control of David and was with him from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.

14 The Lord's spirit left Saul, and an evil spirit sent by the Lord tormented him.

15 His servants said to him, "We know that an evil spirit sent by God is tormenting you.

16 So give us the order, sir, and we will look for a man who knows how to play the harp. Then when the evil spirit comes on you, the man can play his harp, and you will be all right again."