This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 1 Samuel 16:14-23, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
A long, long time ago, there was a man named Saul who was the king of Israel. But one day, God’s Spirit left Saul and he was tormented by an evil spirit. Saul’s helpers said to him, “We need to find someone who can play music to make you feel better.” They went looking for a good musician and found a young man named David who lived in a town called Bethlehem.
David was really good at playing the lyre, a kind of instrument like a small harp. He was also very brave and smart, and God was with him. So, Saul’s helpers went to David’s father, Jesse, and asked him to send David to play music for Saul.
Jesse sent David to Saul with some bread, wine, and a young goat as a gift. When David arrived, Saul liked him right away and made him his helper. Whenever the evil spirit came to torment Saul, David played his lyre to calm him down. Saul was happy and the evil spirit left him alone.
Saul was so happy with David that he asked Jesse if David could stay and work for him all the time. Jesse agreed, and David became a trusted helper of Saul. So whenever David played his music, Saul felt better and the bad spirit went away.
Biblical Lessons
- God can use our talents to help others.
- We should help people who are suffering, even if they are our enemies.
- God can work in mysterious ways, using unexpected people or situations to accomplish His purposes.
Related Stories
David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth
Must-Read Christian Books
Desiring God
Piper unpacks "Christian Hedonism": that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, grounded in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Cross of Christ
A profound exploration of the meaning and power of the cross at the center of Christian faith and life.
View on Amazon
Faith Alone
Defends justification by faith alone as the heart of the biblical gospel and Reformation.
View on Amazon
The God Who Is There
Shows how the God of the Bible speaks into modern philosophical and cultural confusion.
View on Amazon
Basic Christianity
A timeless introduction to who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him according to Scripture.
View on Amazon
Concise Theology
Short, Scripture-filled summaries of key doctrines, written with clarity and warmth.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
The Attributes of God
Devotional meditations on God's character that stir reverence and worship.
View on Amazon
Morning and Evening
Devotional readings for each day that point believers to Christ and His promises.
View on Amazon
The Westminster Shorter Catechism
Summarizes key doctrines of Scripture in concise questions and answers.
View on Amazon
Biblical Preaching
Introduces the "big idea" approach to expository sermons, rooted in the biblical text.
View on Amazon
Religious Affections
Examines the nature of true spiritual experience and the marks of genuine conversion.
View on Amazon
The Christian Life
A clear, doctrinally rich overview of salvation and Christian living.
View on Amazon
The Gospel and Personal Evangelism
Encourages and equips Christians to share the gospel faithfully and simply.
View on Amazon
Christian Mission in the Modern World
Clarifies key biblical concepts like evangelism, mission, and social action.
View on Amazon
Counterfeit Gods
Exposes modern idols of the heart and points to Christ as our true treasure.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon