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Commentary on 1 Samuel 17 verses 31–39
David is at length presented to Saul for his champion (Sa1 17:31) and he bravely undertakes to fight the Philistine (Sa1 17:32): Let no man's heart fail because of him. It would have reflected too much upon the valour of his prince if he had said, Let not thy heart fail; therefore he speaks generally: Let no man's heart fail. A little shepherd, come but this morning from keeping sheep, has more courage than all the mighty men of Israel, and encourages them. Thus does God often send good words to his Israel, and do great things for them, by the weak and foolish things of the world. David only desires a commission from Saul to go and fight with the Philistine, but says nothing to him of the reward he had proposed, because that was not the thing he was ambitious of, but only the honour of serving God and his country: nor would he seem to question Saul's generosity. Two things David had to do with Saul: -
I. To get clear of the objection Saul made against his undertaking. "Alas!" says Saul, "thou hast a good heart to it, but art by no means an equal match for this Philistine. To engage with him is to throw away a life which may better be reserved for more agreeable services. Thou art but a youth, rash and inconsiderate, weak and unversed in arms: he is a man that has the head and hands of a man, a man of war, trained up and inured to it from his youth (Sa1 17:33), and how canst thou expect but that he will be too hard for thee?" David, as he had answered his brother's passion with meekness, so he answered Saul's fear with faith, and gives a reason of the hope which was in him that he should conquer the Philistine, to the satisfaction of Saul. We have reason to fear that Saul had no great acquaintance with nor regard to the word of God, and therefore David, in reasoning with him, fetched not his arguments and encouragements thence, how much soever he had an eye to it in his own mind. But he argues from experience; though he was but a youth, and never in the wars, yet perhaps he had done as much as the killing of Goliath came to, for he had had, by divine assistance, spirit enough to encounter and strength enough to subdue a lion once and another time a bear that robbed him of his lambs, Sa1 17:34-36. To these he compares this uncircumcised Philistine, looks upon him to be as much a ravenous beast as either of them, and therefore doubts not but to deal as easily with him; and hereby he gives Saul to understand that he was not so inexperienced in hazardous combats as he took him to be.
1.He tells his story like a man of spirit. He is not ashamed to own that he kept his father's sheep, which his brother had just now upbraided him with. So far is he from concealing it that from his employment as a shepherd he fetches the experience that now animated him. But he lets those about him know that he was no ordinary shepherd. Whatever our profession or calling is, be it ever so mean, we should labour to excel in it, and do the business of it in the best manner. When David kept sheep, (1.) He approved himself very careful and tender of his flock, though it was not his own, but his father's. He could not see a lamb in distress but he would venture his life to rescue it. This temper made him fit to be a king, to whom the lives of subjects should be dear and their blood precious (Psa 72:14), and fit to be a type of Christ, the good Shepherd, who gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in his bosom (Isa 40:11), and who not only ventured, but laid down his life for his sheep. Thus too was David fit to be an example to ministers with the utmost care and diligence to watch for souls, that they be not a prey to the roaring lion. (2.) He approved himself very bold and brave in the defence of his flock. This was that which he was now concerned to give proof of, and better evidence could not be demanded than this: "Thy servant not only rescued the lambs, but, to revenge the injury, slew both the lion and the bear."
2.He applies his story like a man of faith. He owns (Sa1 17:37) it was the Lord that delivered him from the lion and the bear; to him he gives the praise of that great achievement, and thence he infers, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. "The lion and the bear were enemies only to me and my sheep, and it was in defence of my own interest that I attacked them; but this Philistine is an enemy to God and Israel, defies the armies of the living God, and it is for their honour that I attack him." Note, (1.) Our experiences ought to be improved by us as our encouragements to trust in God and venture in the way of duty. He that has delivered does and will. (2.) By the care which common Providence takes of the inferior creatures, and the protection they are under, we may be encouraged to depend upon that special Providence which surrounds the Israel of God. He that sets bounds to the waves of the sea and the rage of wild beasts can and will restrain the wrath of wicked men. Paul seems to allude to this of David (Ti2 4:17, Ti2 4:18), I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, and therefore, I trust, the Lord shall deliver me. And perhaps David here thought of the story of Samson, and encouraged himself with it; for his slaying a lion was a happy presage of his many illustrious victories over the Philistines in single combat. Thus David took off Saul's objection against his undertaking, and gained a commission to fight the Philistine, with which Saul gave him a hearty good wish; since he would not venture himself, he prayed for him that would: Go, and the Lord be with thee, a good word, if it was not spoken customarily, and in a formal manner, as too often it is. But David has somewhat to do likewise,
II. To get clear of the armour wherewith Saul would, by all means, have him dressed up when he went upon this great action (Sa1 17:38): He armed David with his armour, not that which he wore himself, the disproportion of his stature would not admit that, but some that he kept in his armoury, little thinking that he on whom he now put his helmet and coat of mail must shortly inherit his crown and robe. David, being not yet resolved which way to attack his enemy, girded on his sword, not knowing, as yet, but he should have occasion to make use of it; but he found the armour would but encumber him, and would be rather his burden than his defence, and therefore he desires leave of Saul to put them off again: I cannot go with these, for I have not proved them, that is, "I have never been accustomed to such accoutrements as these." We may suppose Saul's armour was both very fine and very firm, but what good would it do David if it were not fit, or if he knew not how to manage himself in it? Those that aim at things above their education and usage, and covet the attire and armour of princes, forget that that is the best for us which we are fit for and accustomed to; if we had our desire, we should wish to be in our own coat again, and should say, "We cannot go with these;" we had therefore better go without them.
And Saul said to David: You are not able to resist this Philistine, etc. This is the trembling of the weak, or even the resistance of the proud. Can this one engage in battle against the strength of the devil, which belongs solely to the Divinity; since he is clothed in human, indeed humble flesh; and yet his adversary, powerful by his spiritual nature, has learned to wield arms against the Creator and also against our kind, ever since he was created in rebellion? For he was a murderer from the beginning, and did not stand in the truth (John VIII). A murderer, of course, first of himself by his pride, and then of man by his seduction; in which double murder he long fell away from the truth he had once deserted, indeed, and he does not cease sinning until the end of the world, continually falling by accumulating sins.
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:33 captures King Saul's deeply human and fearful assessment of David's capability to confront Goliath, the formidable Philistine champion. Saul, relying entirely on conventional military wisdom and human perception, dismisses David as an inexperienced youth, utterly mismatched against Goliath, a seasoned warrior hardened by a lifetime of battle. This pivotal verse starkly highlights the profound chasm between human logic, which sees only physical limitations and overwhelming odds, and the divine perspective, which operates outside of conventional strength and wisdom, setting the stage for one of the Bible's most iconic demonstrations of God's power through the seemingly weak and unprepared.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This pivotal verse is situated at the dramatic climax of the confrontation between Israel and the Philistines in the valley of Elah. For forty days, Goliath had issued his taunting challenge, paralyzing the Israelite army and King Saul with fear, as detailed in 1 Samuel 17:1-11. David, a young shepherd, arrives at the camp to deliver provisions and, upon hearing Goliath's blasphemous defiance, is moved by righteous indignation, contrasting sharply with the army's paralysis. After a series of encounters where he expresses his willingness to fight, recounting his past victories over lions and bears, David is brought before Saul (1 Samuel 17:26-32). Verse 33 records Saul's immediate, logical, and fear-driven response to David's audacious proposal, revealing the king's reliance on human strength and military protocol rather than divine intervention, thereby setting up the dramatic tension for the ensuing battle.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Philistines were a formidable military power in the ancient Near East, renowned for their advanced iron weaponry and organized army, posing a constant existential threat to Israel's nascent kingdom and sovereignty. The practice of "champion warfare," where two armies would select a single champion to fight, with the outcome determining the battle, was a known, though not common, ancient practice designed to minimize casualties and avoid full-scale war. Goliath, described as a giant of immense stature and formidable armament in 1 Samuel 17:4-7, represented the pinnacle of Philistine military might and terror. Saul, as king and military leader, was expected to protect his people, but his fear highlights the overwhelming nature of the threat and his own spiritual decline. In this culture, youth was typically associated with inexperience, a lack of physical development, and an absence of military training, making David's offer seem not merely audacious but utterly ludicrous from a conventional, human standpoint.
Key Themes: Saul's words in this verse powerfully introduce several key themes that resonate throughout the narrative and the broader biblical canon. First, it underscores the contrast between human logic and divine power. Saul's assessment is purely pragmatic, based on physical attributes and military experience, completely overlooking the spiritual dimension and God's capacity to empower the unlikely. This stands in stark contrast to David's later declaration of faith in God's deliverance, rooted in his personal experience of God's faithfulness (1 Samuel 17:37). Second, it highlights the underestimation of the seemingly weak. Saul dismisses David based on his outward appearance and age, failing to perceive the anointing of God upon him (1 Samuel 16:13) or his deep, abiding faith. This theme is a recurring motif in Scripture, where God often chooses the humble and the weak to accomplish His mighty purposes, thereby confounding human wisdom and ensuring His glory (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Finally, the verse sets up the profound theme of the nature of true strength. Saul's fear reveals his reliance on worldly strength and military might, while David's courage springs from his unwavering trust in the living God, demonstrating that true strength is found not in human capability but in divine enablement.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse is rich in Contrast, serving as a powerful literary device that immediately establishes the central tension of the narrative. The most obvious contrast is drawn between David, the "youth," and Goliath, the "man of war from his youth." This highlights the vast disparity in perceived strength, experience, and capability from a purely human perspective, setting up the dramatic tension and making David's eventual victory all the more miraculous. There is also an underlying Irony in Saul's statement. Saul, the king chosen for his physical stature and military prowess, is himself paralyzed by fear and unable to face Goliath, yet he dismisses the one who will ultimately deliver Israel. His words, intended to dissuade David based on human logic, ironically set the stage for God to demonstrate His power precisely through the one deemed weakest and most unqualified by human standards. This also serves as a form of Foreshadowing, as Saul's reliance on human strength and his inability to trust God's power will ultimately lead to his downfall and the loss of his kingdom, while David's unwavering faith and reliance on divine enablement will lead to his ascent and the establishment of his dynasty.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Saul's dismissive words to David encapsulate a profound theological truth: God's ways and criteria for effectiveness often stand in direct opposition to human wisdom and conventional understanding. Saul, operating from a purely human, fear-based perspective, could only see David's physical limitations and Goliath's overwhelming might. He failed to grasp that God's power is not constrained by human strength, military experience, or outward appearance, but is often most perfectly displayed through apparent weakness, demonstrating that the victory belongs to the Lord. This divine principle challenges believers across all generations to look beyond their own perceived inadequacies and the formidable nature of their challenges, trusting instead in the omnipotence and faithfulness of God who delights in using the humble, the unexpected, and the unlikely to achieve His purposes, thereby ensuring all glory redounds solely to Him.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Saul's words in 1 Samuel 17:33 serve as a timeless mirror reflecting our own human tendency to assess situations based solely on visible circumstances, past experiences, and perceived limitations. How often do we, like Saul, look at our "giants"—whether they be overwhelming challenges in our careers, daunting family struggles, personal weaknesses, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles—and declare ourselves or others "not able"? This verse challenges us to cultivate a faith that transcends human logic and embraces the truth that God's power is made perfect in weakness. It encourages us to shift our gaze from the size of our problems or our own inadequacies to the infinite power and faithfulness of God. When we face situations that seem impossible, this narrative reminds us that God delights in using the unexpected, the unprepared, and the underestimated to display His glory, teaching us that true victory comes not from our strength but from His. It calls us to courageous faith, trusting that if God has called us to a task, He will equip and empower us to accomplish it, regardless of how ill-equipped we may feel in our own eyes. It compels us to ask ourselves: are we evaluating our challenges through the lens of human capability or divine possibility?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Saul so afraid, despite being king and a warrior himself?
Answer: Saul's profound fear stemmed primarily from Goliath's overwhelming physical stature and formidable reputation as a "man of war from his youth," coupled with his own increasing reliance on conventional military strength rather than divine intervention. Although Saul was initially chosen for his imposing physical presence and leadership qualities (1 Samuel 9:2), his anointing had been withdrawn due to his persistent disobedience and pride (1 Samuel 15:23), and he was tormented by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14). Lacking a vibrant, active faith in God's ability to deliver, Saul saw only the human impossibility of the situation, leading to his paralysis and fear, which he then projected onto David. His spiritual state made him incapable of seeing beyond the physical threat.
Does this verse suggest God always chooses the weak or inexperienced to accomplish His purposes?
Answer: While God often chooses the weak and unexpected to display His power, as seen throughout Scripture to humble human pride and magnify His glory (1 Corinthians 1:27-29), the primary point here is that God's criteria for usefulness are fundamentally different from human criteria. He is not limited by human strength, experience, or outward appearance. He uses those who are faithful, available, and willing to trust wholeheartedly in His power, regardless of their perceived strength or weakness. David was "weak" in Saul's eyes, but he was strong in faith and empowered by God's Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13), making him the perfect vessel for God's glory. The emphasis is on God's sovereign choice and enablement, not on an exclusive preference for weakness.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Saul's human assessment of David in 1 Samuel 17:33 profoundly foreshadows humanity's misjudgment of Christ. Just as Saul saw only a "youth" incapable of confronting a formidable foe, the world, and indeed many within Israel, saw Jesus not as a conquering king but as a humble carpenter from Nazareth, a "root out of dry ground" with "no beauty or majesty to attract us to him" (Isaiah 53:2). He was dismissed by the religious elite, underestimated by the powerful, and ultimately crucified as a common criminal, appearing in the ultimate form of weakness and humiliation. Yet, it was precisely through this perceived weakness—His crucifixion—that Christ, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, conquered the ultimate "giant" of sin, death, and the powers of darkness. The world saw a defeated man on a cross, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles (1 Corinthians 1:23), but God's wisdom revealed the power of salvation, confounding the wise and demonstrating that God's strength is perfected in weakness (1 Corinthians 1:25). David's victory over Goliath, achieved through an unexpected means and by God's power, serves as a powerful type of Christ's ultimate, seemingly paradoxical victory over the cosmic enemy, achieved not through conventional strength or worldly might, but through humility, sacrifice, and resurrection power.