But now bring me a musician.” When the musician played, the LORD’s hand came on him.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 15. Minstrel. The priests and Levites, who officiated in the temple, accompanied the army. Eliseus wants no profane music, ( Calmet.) but, by this request, shews his respect for the true religion, ( Bible.) and by sounding forth the divine praises, in some of David’s psalms, wishes to obtain of God the favour which was desired. Theodoret. Menochius.—He had felt some emotion at the sight of Joram, and was sensible that God required a calm. Calmet.—He dwells not in a violent wind, &chapter 3 Kennicott. 19:11. Bible.—The surprising effects of ancient music to calm the passions are well attested. 1 Kennicott. 16:17. By this means S. Francis was raised to the contemplation of heavenly things; and Saint Augustine says of himself: “How I wept when I heard thy hymns and canticles, being greatly moved at the delightful harmony of thy church:” suavesonantis Ecclesiæ tuæ vocibus commotus acriter. Conf. ix. 6. de Calmet. xiv. 24.—Upon him, so that he experienced that enthusiasm which shewed that he was actuated by the divine spirit, to speak with all the authority requisite. The pagans strove to imitate the true prophets, but the difference was very evident; no less than the spirit with which they were filled; the former were agitated in a furious manner; the latter were composed and majestic. Calmet.