1 Samuel 16:23

“And it came to pass, when the [evil] spirit from God was upon Saul, etc.] (see <091614>1 Samuel 16:14,15) though the word evil is not in the text here; wherefore Abarbinel thinks that this here was the Spirit of God, which stirred up in him thoughts of divine things, put him in mind of what God had said, that he had rejected him from being king, and had rent the kingdom from him; and this filled him with grief and trouble, and he became melancholy: that David took an harp, and played with his hands; upon it; and, as Josephus f335 says, at the same time sung hymns and psalms; made use both of vocal and instrumental music: so Saul was refreshed, and was well; became cheerful, his grief was…”

“David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well--The ancients believed that music had a mysterious influence in healing mental disorders. Next: 1 Samuel Chapter 17”

“Departed - Namely, for a season. And the reason of this success, may be, partly natural, and partly, supernatural, respecting David; whom God designed by this means to bring into favour with the king, and so to smooth the way for his advancement. Next: 1 Kings (1 Samuel) Chapter 17”

“16:23 Saul would feel better: David was more than a handsome lad gifted in music; he was the anointed king. Here David illustrated what a king should be: one who brings relief. Later, David composed dozens of psalms that have brought comfort and relief through the ages. • the tormenting spirit would go away: Even those who are disobedient and rejected can receive relief and comfort through the Lord’s servant.”

“the evil spirit: Sa1 16:14, Sa1 16:16 Saul: Sa1 18:10, Sa1 18:11; Mat 12:43-45; Luk 11:24-26 Next: 1 Kings (1 Samuel) Chapter 17”