David’s skill as a musician/songwriter is well known but reading about him in greater detail provides insight into his wider abilities and talents. Whatever you make of the readings this week don’t stop at Music! Being made in the image of God means that we all have some creative skill and ability. Yours (and mine!) may not be music, so spend time as you read reflecting on what creative ability God has given you. How will you use that ability this week?
How will it reflect the glory of God and speak of his grace to the world?
V 18 One of the servants said to Saul, “One of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem is a talented harp player. Not only that—he is a brave warrior, a man of war, and has good judgment. He is also a fine-looking young man, and the Lord is with him.”
There are two distinct stories in this chapter; the first in vv 1-13 is about Samuel anointing the young shepherd boy David as future King. It ends in verse 13 ‘And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on.’ The story moves on immediately as we read in v 14 that ’ Now the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul,’ and David is introduced into Saul’s household as the harp-therapist who could soothe Saul’s bouts of depression. Thus begins David’s long haul towards becoming King of Israel; it all begins when his musicianship is recognised. He is no mere talented harp player however; just consider the five things that stood out in his life up to that point. a talented harp player. a brave warrior, good judgment, a fine-looking young man, and the Lord is with him.” Some recommendation isn’t it! That would look mighty good on anyone’s CV. But remember, it took 15 years of patient waiting, often harassed by King Saul, to progress from harp-playing shepherd to acclaimed King. It was during those 15 years of waiting that David penned many of the Psalms, often in difficult circumstances. The talented harp player became a song writer of the highest order, and we are still using his psalms today. They reflect delight and pain, triumph and anguish, praise and anger …. the whole range of human emotions poured out as he used this gift of music God had given to him.