1 Samuel 16:23

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.

Cross-references

1 Samuel 16:14 describes the harmful spirit coming upon Saul, which David's music then relieves in this verse.

In 1 Samuel 16:16, Saul's servants propose this remedy — the verse here shows it being carried out successfully.

In 1 Samuel 18:10, the same harmful spirit returns, but now Saul attacks David — the earlier relief turns to danger.

In 1 Samuel 18:11, Saul throws the spear at David while he plays — the harmful spirit's presence leads to attempted murder.

In 2 Kings 3:15, Elisha uses music to invoke God's presence — a parallel to David's music calming Saul's evil spirit.

Matthew 12:43–45 Related theme

In Matthew 12:43-45, Jesus describes an unclean spirit that leaves and returns — a parallel to Saul's temporary relief followed by worse attacks.

Luke 11:24–26 Related theme

In Luke 11:24-26, Jesus warns of a spirit returning with more — mirroring Saul's recurring harmful spirit after temporary relief.