DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
JUNE 3, 2026
READ: 1 Samuel 16 (Focus vs. 14-23)
MEMORY VERSE
“David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul.” 1 Samuel 16:23
BACKGROUND
On November 21, 1915, the hope of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his twenty-seven crew members sank, along with their ship Endurance, into the darkness below the Antarctic ice. They were stranded thousands of miles from home.
Later, the crew shared several things that aided their survival, including a banjo. Embarking on their brutal trek, Leonard Hussey (the expedition’s meteorologist) was the only person allowed more than two pounds of personal gear.
He was allowed to bring his twelve-pound Windsor banjo. “It’s vital mental medicine,” Shackleton told Hussey, “and we shall need it.” The crew’s journals explained the power of Hussey’s music. “The banjo does . . . supply brain food,” wrote one sailor. Another reflected on “Hussey’s indispensable banjo.”
The Bible presents music as one of God’s immense gifts, a way His healing and comfort enter the human heart. In the tragic story of King Saul, we hear how (due to his disobedience) he was oppressed by an “evil spirit” (1 Samuel 16:14).
And what did Saul’s attendants believe the king needed to provide relief? Music. So they found young David with his harp: “David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him” (v. 23).
Music offers more than mere entertainment. It can bring joy, renew hope, and comfort weary souls. It’s truly one of God’s powerful gifts.
Winn Collier
INSIGHT
In the ancient Near East, it was common for court musicians to be hired for reasons such as entertainment or religious ceremonies. In the case of King Saul in 1 Samuel 16, his attendants believed his mental torment would be eased by lyre music (v. 16).
Since David was a skilled lyre player as well as a warrior (v. 18), he became both a musician and armor-bearer—carrying Saul’s shield and weapons (vv. 21-23).
David’s father, Jesse, sent gifts of food and wine with David (vv. 19-20), perhaps showing gratitude for the honor of having his son chosen to serve the king. Today, we can remember that God can use music to renew our hope and bring us joy.
Monica La Rose
APPLICATION
What encouragement has music offered you? How has it deepened your relationship with God?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
Music offers more than mere entertainment. It can bring joy, renew hope, and comfort weary souls. It’s truly one of God’s powerful gifts.
PR’s TAKE
I have always believed music by itself is not necessarily worship but the primary vehicle through which God is worshipped and that is why we should pray for all musicians to use their gift for His glory. Pr
“Music is an agreeable harmony for the honor of God and the permissible delights of the soul.” Jonathan Sebastian Bach
“My heart which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary.” Martin Luther
PRAYER
“Dear God, thank You for the gift of music!.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING”
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise him, O praise Him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Thou rushing winds that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in Heav’n along,
O praise Him, alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice.
O praise Him, O praise Him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
And all ye saints of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye, alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care:
O praise him, O praise him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Let all things their creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him, alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, Three in One:
O praise Him, O praise Him,
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
