David: A Model Musiciana meditation by Charles Hulin IV (2004)I Samuel 16:14-23

In this passage, David is brought to Saul to give him relief from an evil spirit by playing music for him. The passage includes a list of qualities that David possessed. Scholars suggest that this list is mostly the resume of a future king, but I think it can also serve as a list of qualities that we would do well to develop as Christian musicians.

1. David was skillful in playing. It was this skill that brought him to the attention of Saul and earned him a place in Saul’s life, heart, and court.

2. He was willing to serve others by sharing his talent. This would have been how Saul’s servant knew about his skill.

3. He was a person of valor. Artists need courage to reveal their visions and creations - to be sincere and vulnerable.

4. He was a warrior. Musicians need the discipline and devotion of the warrior on a daily basis. In performance we also need to steel ourselves against the chaotic and negative forces that work to undermine our ability to accomplish our mission. Often these forces attempt to seize control from within us.

5. He was prudent in speech. How easy it is to mar the message of our uplifting music with a few careless words.

6. He was a person of good presence. According to one commentary, this probably means he was good looking or charismatic. But the term "good presence" is a fortunate one in that it can suggest that our presence in a situation might be a stabilizing factor tending towards righteousness. Ultimately, how we look has nothing to do with the true goodness of our presence.

7. The Lord was with him. This seems like the most important thing. It is the thing that empowers all the rest. I would think our most important work comes from an awareness of our relationship with Christ.