Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Samuel 16:14 (New Living Translation)

14 Now the Spirit of the Lord had left Saul, and the Lord sent a tormenting spirit that filled him with depression and fear.

Here is the moment when King Saul’s life led to God favoring David instead. This is a horrible tragedy in the life of King Saul.

First, the Spirit of the LORD leaves Saul. Horrible. What a cavity that leaves in a person.

Second, the LORD sends a tormenting spirit in to Saul. Many translations use the words “evil spirit” in this place. I like “tormenting spirit” as that tells me the result of this spirit. Saul is tormented day and night. How awful.

This spirit fills Saul with depression and fear. Let us not extend this too far. I know persons today who are diagnosed with depression. They are not happy. Are they tormented by a spirit sent from God? I don’t know, but I should not assume they are.

Let us return to Saul. His life is miserable from this moment forward. His life ends on the battlefield as he literally falls on his own sword. Helpless. Hopeless. Tormented.

And this came from God. God torments persons? Why? This is life when we turn away from God—when we reject God. Instead of God living in us, we have a void, a cavity or canyon in our center. I don’t understand how all that works. I see that it is horrible. I see it in persons around me.

Please God, allow each person to permit Your spirit into their lives. Keep us from the torment suffered by Saul.