Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage together. It’s a really interesting story about a powerful leader – Saul – and a frightening experience he had. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a moment where a very strong, potentially dangerous spirit (the “evil spirit”) was affecting Saul. Here's a breakdown of the key parts: “And it came to pass…”: This is just a way of saying "This happened." It’s a narrative, like telling a story. “…when the [evil] spirit from God was upon Saul…” – This is really important. The word "evil" here doesn't mean something bad or malicious. It means that this spirit wasn’t good or obedient to God. It was causing trouble and making things difficult for Saul. Think of it like a storm raging within him – he was struggling with something that felt wrong and disruptive. “…that David took an harp, and played with his hand…” - This is the part that's surprising. David, who was a very skilled musician and a trusted friend to Samuel, took up playing with his hands ! It’s unusual for someone of his standing to do something like this. “…so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.” – This is the outcome of the spirit's influence. Saul felt better, he was healthy again, and the troubling feeling was gone. The “evil spirit” left him completely. What’s the big takeaway? This story shows that God can intervene to help people who are struggling with negative influences. It highlights that even powerful, seemingly strong individuals can be vulnerable to evil spirits. It also demonstrates God's power and ability to protect and restore those He loves. Important Note: This is a very dramatic passage in the Bible, and it’s often interpreted as a sign that Saul was being tested and called to trust in God. It wasn't necessarily about him being truly evil; it was about a disruption of his spiritual well-being. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this story in more detail?