Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
1 Samuel Ch.16 / 31 Ch.s
1SA:16
* Samuel sent to Bethlehem to Jesse. (1-5) David is anointed.
(6-13) Saul troubled with an evil spirit, is quieted by David.
(14-23)
#1-5 It appears that Saul was grown very wicked. Of what would
he not be guilty, who durst think to kill Samuel? The elders of
Bethlehem trembled at Samuel's coming. It becomes us to stand in
awe of God's messengers, and to tremble at his word. His answer
was, I come peaceably, for I come to sacrifice. When our Lord
Jesus came into the world, though men had reason to fear that
his errand was to condemn the world, yet he gave full assurance
that he came peaceably, for he came to sacrifice, and he brought
his offering with him; A body hast thou prepared me. Let us
sanctify ourselves, and depend upon His sacrifice.
#6-13 It was strange that Samuel, who had been so disappointed
in Saul, whose countenance and stature recommended him, should
judge of another man by that rule. We can tell how men look, but
God can tell what they are. He judges of men by the heart. We
often form a mistaken judgment of characters; but the Lord
values only the faith, fear, and love, which are planted in the
heart, beyond human discernment. And God does not favour our
children according to our fond partiality, but often most
honours and blesses those who have been least regarded. David at
length was pitched upon. He was the youngest of the sons of
Jesse; his name signifies Beloved; he was a type of God's
beloved Son. It should seem, David was least set by of all the
sons of Jesse. But the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from
that day forward. His anointing was not an empty ceremony, a
Divine power went with that instituted sign; he found himself
advanced in wisdom and courage, with all the qualifications of a
prince, though not advanced in his outward circumstances. This
would satisfy him that his election was of God. The best
evidence of our being predestinated to the kingdom of glory, is,
our being sealed with the Spirit of promise, and experience of a
work of grace in our hearts.
#14-23 Saul is made a terror to himself. The Spirit of the Lord
departed from him. If God and his grace do not rule us, sin and
Satan will have possession of us. The devil, by the Divine
permission, troubled and terrified Saul, by the corrupt humours
of his body, and passions of his mind. He grew fretful, peevish,
and discontented, and at times a madman. It is a pity that
music, which may be serviceable to the good temper of the mind,
should ever be abused, to support vanity and luxury, and made an
occasion of drawing the heart from God and serious things. That
is driving away the good Spirit, not the evil spirit. Music,
diversions, company, or business, have for a time often been
employed to quiet the wounded conscience; but nothing can effect
a real cure but the blood of Christ, applied in faith, and the
sanctifying Spirit sealing the pardon, by his holy comforts. All
other plans to dispel religious melancholy are sure to add to
distress, either in this world or the next.