The evil spirit. See on ch. 16:15, 16. Though God permits temptation to come, He never entices men to sin (James 1:13; cf. 1 Cor. 10:13).
He prophesied. Perhaps, “he raved” (RSV). The verb form that occurs here, though it is often used of true prophecy, may also refer to the mutterings of false prophets. Saul’s ecstatic frenzy was due to a spirit of violent passion, perhaps with the hope of impressing his courtiers with his holiness.
David played. What a contrast between these two men! Actuated by jealous fury, Saul grasped his javelin with deliberate design to slay David. David, probably sensing danger and realizing the cause of Saul’s passion, held his harp, with which he sought to relieve the king’s mental tension.