1 Samuel 16:15 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Saul's servants said, &c.— The remainder of this chapter is undoubtedly an anticipation, but introduced by the sacred historian very properly and very naturally; for, having related at large how God had rejected Saul, and anointed David, he goes on (as it was a matter of the utmost moment in a religious history,) to inform us of the effects both of one and the other; though we are not to suppose them the instantaneous effects. The effects of Saul's rejection were, he tells us, the departure of God's spirit from him, and his being troubled with an evil spirit. This leads him naturally to speak of the effects of David's election, namely, his being endowed with many divine graces. So that the true chronology of this part of David's life stands thus: He is anointed by Samuel; he carries provisions to his brethren; he fights and overcomes Goliath; is received in the king's court; contracts a friendship with Jonathan; incurs Saul's jealousy; retires home to his father; is after some time sent for to soothe Saul's melancholy with his harp; proves successful, and is made his armour-bearer, and again excites Saul's jealousy, who endeavours to smite him with his javelin. This anticipation between the 14th and 23rd verses of this chapter, comes in, in the order of time, between 1 Samuel 16:9-10 of chap. 18: Div. Leg. vol. 3: p. 356.