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Test test test test David was practicing slinging rocks when his brother, Shammah, approached him. “Peace, Brother,” said Shammah.

“It’s good to see you, brother,” said David. “What brings you out here?”

Shammah smiled. “I was looking at that poor tree,” he said. “You’ve beaten it to a pulp. I almost feel sorry for it. Maybe you could teach me how to cast stones, like you do, then I can put it out of its misery. Can you show me how by sundown?”

David laughed. “Maybe by ten sun downs, if you’re lucky. If you really try, I might be able to teach you how to hit the tree once in ten tries, by tonight.” Both men laughed. After the laughter died down, David continued. “Seriously, brother, why did you come out this way?”

The smile vanished from Shammah’s face. “A messenger from Hebron came for you. The king wishes you to come and sooth his soul, by playing your music.” Shammah shrugged his shoulders. “I guess Samuel informed him of your talent.”

“I’m not surprised, Brother. Samuel predicted this would happen. Well, I guess I better not keep him waiting.” David grabbed his sack and headed for home. When he arrived, he found the messenger sitting on the edge of his seat, ready to depart. Within moments of David’s arrival, they were heading down the road.

As they went, the messenger informed David of the situation. “Our king has been in great distress, ever since God forsaken him. Most times, he can bear the shame, but at times, such as now, the weight of it becomes more than he can handle. The way his wailing and lamenting echoes through the household, we thought he was losing his mind to evil spirits.

Soon after, we received a message from Samuel telling us about your gift of music and song. He said to bring you to Saul, so you can soothe him. I’m sorry we took you at short notice, but we were desperate. I apologize for any inconvenience you may suffer. But don’t worry. We’ll reward you accordingly.”

David shrugged it off. “There’s no need for a reward,” he said. “Knowing, I can serve God and our king is enough reward for me.”

The servant was relieved with David’s response. He thought this was good, because, before he was dispatched to bring David to Hebron, he was given orders to kill him on the spot, if he’d shown any signs of disrespect or mockery towards the king. I glad it didn’t come to that, he thought. I wasn’t sure I could have committed that deed if it came to that. The orders for him to kill David came down the chain of command, as most orders do, but this one was rumored to have come from the king, himself. Thank you, Lord, for watching over your servant.

Even though David passed the first test, the messenger knew they were not out of danger. If the king should lose his wits, he could easily weaken, if not destroy the kingdom of Judah. If their enemies found out the king was mentally incapacitated, they would strike without fear.

The servant glanced at David and prayed to himself. “Please Lord, let my trip be not in vain. Let this young man bring peace to King Saul and restore his senses.” He kicked the donkey’s flank, pushing him to go faster. David followed his lead as they approached their destination.

David was in awe, as they entered the city. Never has he seen such splendor in his life. The streets were crowded with people. Merchants were on every corner trying to sell their goods. Money was exchanging hands faster than rain, falling from the sky. Then, there were the buildings. Countless dwellings and businesses, all pressed against each other. When compared to Hebron, Bethlehem looked like a mudhole, filled with sheep.

They continued to go to the center of the city, until they came to a guard post. David watched as the guards recognized the servant and then granted them access. David followed the servant to the largest house in the compound and entered the main hallway. “Wait here,” he said, as he went in a doorway.

While David waited, he took a good look at himself. I’m tall and fit, he thought. But after that long trip, I smell like a ten-day old rotting carcass. Then he looked at what he was wearing. I didn’t even have time to change. The robe I’m wearing has more patches than original cloth. He looked at his sandals, with disdain. They’re too small and the soles are almost nonexistent. But now, it was too late. There nothing he could do but wait. So, he did. A moment later, the servant came out and signaled for him to come in.

When he entered the room, he was almost overpowered by the odor of incense. He suppressed himself from gagging and found King Saul lounging on a quilt, lying in a corner of the room.

David bowed in homage, then stepped closer to Saul. He stopped at ten paces away and sat down on the floor. David took his lyre out of his sack and strummed it. The strike of the first cord pierced through the air. His hands touched the strings and soon, magic filled the room. Then, David started to sing. The music that poured across his tongue was angelic.

The music echoed off the walls and rested in the dark corners of King Saul’s mind. The music grasped at Saul’s heart and guided him to the land of the living. He turned towards David and watched in wonderment as he kept on playing.

David continued to play and sing praises to God throughout the day. Some songs were well known, while others were originals. Each one bettered the last.

Finally, Saul stood up and signaled David to stop. He walked up to David and put his hand on his shoulder. “Who are you?” he asked.