Why did an evil spirit from God torment King Saul? Why would God send an evil spirit?

TL;DR:

An evil spirit from God tormented King Saul after repeated acts of disobedience. God can use even evil spirits to accomplish His purposes in our lives.

An evil spirit from God tormented Saul as a consequence of his repeated disobedience (1 Samuel 13:1–14; 15:1–35), signaling God's rejection of him as king (1 Samuel 15:26). The spirit troubled Saul intermittently, leading him to seek relief, and David's music temporarily eased his distress (1 Samuel 16:14–23). This torment likely aimed to correct Saul's behavior and convict him of his disobedience.

from the old testament

King Saul was the first king of Israel, and after repeated acts of disobedience (1 Samuel 13:1–14; 15:1–35), the Bible says "Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him" (1 Samuel 16:14). The evil spirit was not a continual presence, but it would often come to him and trouble him.
Saul's servants recommended the king seek relief through music, and he asked them to find someone who could play the lyre for him. One of the servants recommended David, whom he knew to be skilled musically and of good repute. The servant also recognized God's presence with David. David was summoned, and "Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer" (1 Samuel 16:21). Saul told David's father, "Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight" (1 Samuel 16:22). When David played the lyre, the evil spirit would leave and Saul would feel better (1 Samuel 16:23).
The evil spirit was likely sent to correct King Saul's behavior and to convict him of his disobedience. In Samuel 15, the prophet Samuel declared that God had rejected Saul as king due to his disobedience: “For you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel” (1 Samuel 15:26).

from the new testament

The evil spirit from God sent to torment Saul is not mentioned in the New Testament.

implications for today

While not true in every situation, physical pain, the presence of evil spirits, or other hardships can be discipline from God. For those who are in Christ, God is our Father, who does not want us to continue in sin, but instead wishes us to bear the "peaceful fruit of righteousness" (Hebrews 12:7–11; Proverbs 3:11–12). We are often tempted to disassociate unpleasant things and the hand of God, but the Bible makes it clear that He both allows and condones discipline for His children. Hebrews 12:7–13 encourages, "It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. … he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. … Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed." Even when hardship is simply the natural result of living in a fallen world, we can trust that God certainly uses every circumstance for the sanctification and ultimate good of His followers (Romans 8:28–30). In Saul's case, the evil spirit seems to have been an act of discipline.

understand

Due to his disobedience, the Spirit of the LORD departed from King Saul, and he was troubled by a harmful spirit intermittently. Since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit will never leave believers.
Saul found relief when David played music for him, as the evil spirit would leave temporarily.
The evil spirit's presence likely aimed to correct Saul's behavior after God rejected him as king for his disobedience.

reflect

How have you experienced God’s discipline, and what purposes did it accomplish?
How do you usually perceive difficulties or hardships in your life? Do you tend to see them as purely negative or as possible opportunities for growth and correction?
In what ways do you think God might be using challenges or hardships in your life to shape your character or draw you closer to Him?

engage

Many people struggle with the evil spirit tormenting Saul. Frequently asked questions include: How could an evil spirit be "from the LORD?" Why would God allow an evil spirit to torment Saul? What was the purpose of this? From the first chapter of the Book of Job, we see that Satan and the evil spirits are not autonomous; they must ask permission from God before doing certain things (Job 1:12; 2:6). God is a complete ruler; He is absolutely sovereign over His creation, including the evil spirits. They recognize His authority, and they recognized Jesus Christ's authority, which was a sign of Jesus' oneness with the Father (Mark 5:1–13). The evil spirit that tormented Saul was maliciously willing to torment him, but it could not have done so unless it was allowed by God.
A Christian cannot be demon possessed, but demons can exert influence, known as oppressing others. Demons can tempt believers to sin and attempt to hinder their spiritual walk. However, Christians have the power to resist demonic influence through reliance on the Holy Spirit, knowing God’s Word, and abiding in Him.
How do you reconcile the idea of God sending an evil spirit to torment Saul with the understanding of the rest of God’s character?