Rain200

Before going into the question of "God sending an evil Spirit to Saul" I'd like to focus on the first part which asks why would Saul summon David to begin with? After reading and re-reading 1 Samuel 16, I figure Saul needed someone to calm him with music. He needed someone whom he can trust and he could see the Spirit of the Lord all over David. But what prompted his needing music from a Shepherd Boy? The text says "Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him." (16:14). When we use the term Spirit, that could actually mean anything bad being sent. Saul was afflicted emotionally(the bad spirit) and needed the Lord all the more. I do believe God can do all things, but it seems we'd rather just understand the loving New Testament God instead of the one from the Old Testament as well who never changes and is in control. This could be a way to make Saul more teachable. Sometimes great events and terrifying ones are sent to help us grow in the Lord. David was sent to Saul for his own growth. Saul had an evil spirit to deal with so he may be humbled and absorb good vibes from David.

Q3. (1 Samuel 1:13) What is the significance of Samuel anointing David? What is the significance of the Holy Spirit coming upon David? How does this explain his success? How is the Holy Spirit upon us vital for our own success as disciples? The significance of Samuel anointing David is twofold. First, Samuel is showing obedience to the Lord by anointing David and not the older brothers. Secondly, anointing David conveys the message that it(the oil) "stains" you as belonging to the Lord. In the lessons there is a quote from David Fleming that mentions the oil used back then was "pungent, frgrant, and made a lasting stain on clothes" the Holy Spirit was a direct result of this- the Holy spirit is forever, it has become a part of David- fragrant as the oil. In our own lives, relying on the Holy Spirit is vital because it is a gift given to us to operate the power of the Lord. This is what Christ left to us and this is why David could do most of what of he did.

I like how you kept the subject on the Holy Spirit. It is through Him that we are able to move forward and conquer kingdoms, conquer fear, and help win souls for God. David had this on him and it is on us today.