I Samuel 16:14-23
“But the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.” (I Samuel 16:14)
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit did not indwell the person, he just came upon them to direct and empower temporarily. When Saul turned away from God, the Holy Spirit departed from him, leaving him open for demonic spirits. This is what Jesus was referring to in Matthew 12:43-45 and Luke 11:24-26.
For the Christian, the Holy Spirit is the earnest, or evidence of their salvation, according to II Corinthians 1:22 and Ephesians 1:14. He does not leave the Christian, but he will yield to our wishes, if we insist on maintaining control. It explains why a Christian can only be influenced by demons, but not possessed. The house is never empty, so demons can‘t take full possession, although they can mount seige and affect every decision. Who is in control will soon be obvious.
“And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.” (I Samuel 16:15-16)
Aware of Saul’s inability to control his attitude, his servants recommended that they seek a skilled musician to calm him down so he could think more clearly. Today, Psychologists and Psychiatrists prescribe both calming music and various medications to accomplish the same thing. They frequently produce temporary relief of the symptoms.
“And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.
Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.
Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.” (I Samuel 16:17-19)
Understanding their concern for him, Saul agreed to allow them to proceed. When David’s name was mentioned, it was stressed that he was also a brave and careful fighter and leader. Saul had devoted his efforts to gathering such men to his service so he had extra incentive to choose him. He contacted Jesse to have David sent.
“And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.” (I Samuel 16:20-21)
When David came, Saul made him his assistant and guard, his armor bearer, and not just his musician. As a result, David would accompany Saul where ever he went, meeting all the leaders of Israel and learning what was happening throughout the land. It would provide valuable training and contacts for the future king.
"And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.” (I Samuel 16:22-23)
It wasn’t long before Saul decided to make David’s position permanent. Whenever the evil attitude began to take over, David could play calming music to distract him and allow Saul to get his mind under control. God would use Saul’s mental instability to prepare David for his future position. It would help David to understand how important controlling his thoughts and emotions was.
“But the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.” (I Samuel 16:14)
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit did not indwell the person, he just came upon them to direct and empower temporarily. When Saul turned away from God, the Holy Spirit departed from him, leaving him open for demonic spirits. This is what Jesus was referring to in Matthew 12:43-45 and Luke 11:24-26.
For the Christian, the Holy Spirit is the earnest, or evidence of their salvation, according to II Corinthians 1:22 and Ephesians 1:14. He does not leave the Christian, but he will yield to our wishes, if we insist on maintaining control. It explains why a Christian can only be influenced by demons, but not possessed. The house is never empty, so demons can‘t take full possession, although they can mount seige and affect every decision. Who is in control will soon be obvious.
“And Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well.” (I Samuel 16:15-16)
Aware of Saul’s inability to control his attitude, his servants recommended that they seek a skilled musician to calm him down so he could think more clearly. Today, Psychologists and Psychiatrists prescribe both calming music and various medications to accomplish the same thing. They frequently produce temporary relief of the symptoms.
“And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.
Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.
Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep.” (I Samuel 16:17-19)
Understanding their concern for him, Saul agreed to allow them to proceed. When David’s name was mentioned, it was stressed that he was also a brave and careful fighter and leader. Saul had devoted his efforts to gathering such men to his service so he had extra incentive to choose him. He contacted Jesse to have David sent.
“And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer.” (I Samuel 16:20-21)
When David came, Saul made him his assistant and guard, his armor bearer, and not just his musician. As a result, David would accompany Saul where ever he went, meeting all the leaders of Israel and learning what was happening throughout the land. It would provide valuable training and contacts for the future king.
"And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.” (I Samuel 16:22-23)
It wasn’t long before Saul decided to make David’s position permanent. Whenever the evil attitude began to take over, David could play calming music to distract him and allow Saul to get his mind under control. God would use Saul’s mental instability to prepare David for his future position. It would help David to understand how important controlling his thoughts and emotions was.
Praise God for music, to praise Him and to uplift, encourage and soothe one another. May we speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, always making melody in our hearts to the Lord!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great post, & God bless!
Laurie
So many people see music just as a form of entertainment. Different styles play such an important part in people's attitudes, whether Christian or not.
ReplyDeleteAmen. I used to be a fan of heavy metal, and now I look back and see how its aggressive tones really drove me into an energetic, bordering on violent mood. The old saying that music soothes the savage beast finds its place here with Saul.
ReplyDeleteBecause music can stimulate our thinking or can bypass our thoughts and appeal directly to our emotions, is is a powerful tool for either good or evil. Satanic music focuses on emotional stimulation rather than mental stimulation, leaving people open to Satanic suggestion and even demonic control.
DeleteWhat do you think of Christian heavy metal? What do you think is the scriptural response for using this medium for worship or to honor God? I ask this because music as a medium is something of s hot spot in the church today. There are people promoting trance music to get more in touch with the Holy Spirit, even. It bears resemblance to TM or similar items. But is metal capable of praising the Lord?
ReplyDeleteHeavy metal is a style of music. Music is a tool that, like any tool can be used in various ways, and different styles are intended for different purposes, just as different styles of knives are intended for different purposes.
DeleteA paring knife, or cooks knife are designed to function efficiently for cooking. Swords adn daggers, on the other hand are designed for killing people and do not function well as kitchen tools.
Heavy metal music was designed to promote rebellion and discontent. It's design will make it difficult to use to produce peace or spiritual growth, regardless what words accompany it. It's kind of like trying to use a sword for a steak knife. While it may work, you may endanger everyone else at the table.
Trance music is designed to get people to relinquish control of their minds. Unfortunately the Holy Spirit isn't the only one who is seeking control, and he is not aggressive. Satan will hijack one's mind if given the opportunity, As I Corinthians 14:32 makes clear, the Christian should always retain the final authority over his mind,
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