It is often stated that 1 Samuel ch.16 and ch.17 contradict each other. However a simpler explanation maybe at hand and indeed show how ch. 17 helps explain how a “a handsome yokel with a rustic lyre” (Walters quoted in Youngblood, Ronald F. (2017), 1 & 2 Samuel, p.355) could become one of Saul's armor-bearers.
It is most probable that the introduction of David in 16:14-23 is an overview encompassing both his initial job and his future role as warrior, then King. After all the King bit's already been heavily trailed in the first thirteen verses of ch.16.
Ch.17 shows how our lyre playing, rustic yokel transformed from music therapist to warrior.
Note how Saul couldn't remember (perhaps not even know) who David's father was (17:55-58). This is like our modern day equivalent of knowing some's first name but not their surname. Many of us have such casual, friendly, water-cooler relationships at work. Then one day we're on a new project and are formally introduced to our 'David' as David Jesse lead architect on this project. It can really be quite a fun moment as you both get to see another, quite different side of each other.
So first he is just David the lyre playing, rustic yokel who couldn't even wear armour (17:38-39). Now after killing Goliath, David Ben Jesse is a (prospective, see 14:52) cunning warrior. Now he's really got Saul's attention! See how 18:2 echoes, and links us directly back to, 16:21-22.
That's how, in time, DBJ becomes Saul's armor-bearer (16:21) and then (and that wasn't overnight) an army commander (18:5).
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