The answer is: Musician

1 Samuel 16:23 - David first played music to soothe Saul's evil spirit and was later promoted to armour bearer

In 1 Samuel, we see the early days of David’s remarkable ascent in the biblical narrative, starting off as a musician. Imagine the scene: King Saul, tormented by distressing spirits, sinks into bouts of darkness. Plus, singers and musicians were considered essential in ancient courts, just as they are today—music has an extraordinary ability to uplift the spirits!

David, not just a shepherd boy but also a talented musician, comes into this picture. The unique sounds from his harp create a calming effect on Saul, showcasing how emotional and spiritual healing often comes through art. This element of music transcends time, as it’s incorporated into many aspects of worship and sets the scene for David's more significant roles later on.

Interestingly, David’s transition into the position of armored bearer doesn’t just amplify his status; it symbolically hints at his future role as a warrior-king—those same skills he honed as Saul's singer prepared him for the battlefield.

Additionally, nestled within this narrative, we see an echo of the notion that the spirit requires music for healing—a concept echoed throughout history and even into today's world, where many seek solace in melodies during troubled times. This coupling of art and leadership hearkens back even to the mentors of David himself, hinting that his path was divinely guided in unique ways from the very start. David’s dual roles set the stage for one of the greatest legacies in the biblical saga—a tale combining heart, mind, and spirit through multiple forms of expression.