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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.
We sometimes see a bad example drawn from good things. For if someone presumes to do the same things but not with the same disposition and orientation or with unlike virtue, he easily falls into the snares of deception and death on account of those very things from which others acquire the fruits of eternal life. That brave boy who was set against the most warlike giant in a contest of arms would certainly have experienced this if he had put on Saul’s manly and heavy armor, with which a person of more robust age would have laid low whole troops of the enemy. This would undoubtedly have imperiled the boy, except that with wise discretion he chose the kind of weaponry that was appropriate for his youth and armed himself against the dreadful foe not with the breastplate and shield that he saw others outfitted with but with the projectiles that he himself was able to fight with.
David then girded himself with Saul's sword, etc. The sword of Saul is the law, which was given through Moses: the garment of David, the work of grace and truth, which was made through Jesus Christ. Therefore, David, girded with the sword of Saul over his own garment, began to test whether he could proceed if armed. For he said he was not accustomed. Observing for a time the carnal commandment of the law, while the spiritual gift of grace was not yet manifested to the peoples, the Savior began to gradually show that his body, which is the Church, burdened with the ceremonies of the law, could not suffice for the spiritual combat, especially among those who, called from the Gentiles to the faith, had no custom at all of enduring the more severe decrees of the law. Finally, the apostle Peter, contesting and criticizing those who wanted to burden the members of David advancing towards the struggle against the giant with Saul's arms, said: "Now therefore why do you tempt God, by imposing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus we shall be saved, just as they will."
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SUMMARY
1 Samuel 17:39 captures a pivotal moment in the iconic narrative of David and Goliath, where David decisively rejects King Saul's royal armor and sword. This act reveals David's profound reliance on divine enablement and his unique, God-given identity over conventional human strength and military strategy. His declaration that he had "not proved" the unfamiliar gear underscores his commitment to operating within his established, God-prepared capabilities, setting the stage for an unconventional victory that would ultimately glorify God.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. Repetition is prominent, with the concept of "proving" (H5254, nâçâh) appearing multiple times, first as a parenthetical explanation of David's difficulty and then as his direct articulation to Saul. This repetition emphasizes David's direct, physical encounter with the armor and his immediate realization of its unsuitability due to his lack of personal experience, highlighting the central theme of trusting in what one knows and what God has proven through them. There is also strong Contrast between Saul's conventional, human-centric approach (heavy armor, sword, kingly authority) and David's reliance on his unique, God-given abilities and simple tools. The armor itself functions as Symbolism, representing human strength, worldly wisdom, and the king's authority, which David ultimately rejects in favor of divine empowerment. This rejection also serves as Foreshadowing, signaling that David's victory will not be achieved through typical military might but through an unconventional, faith-driven method that will bring glory to God alone.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 17:39 is a profound theological statement on the nature of true strength and divine enablement. It challenges the human tendency to rely on outward appearances, impressive resources, or conventional wisdom, asserting that God's power is often manifested through unexpected means and humble instruments. David's refusal of Saul's armor is not a rejection of preparation or skill, but a powerful affirmation that victory in God's kingdom comes from operating within one's unique, God-given calling and trusting implicitly in His supernatural provision. It teaches that authentic faith often requires stepping outside the comfortable or expected, embracing God's specific equipping for the task at hand, and recognizing that human might is insufficient without divine anointing.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's decision in 1 Samuel 17:39 offers timeless principles for believers navigating the challenges of life and ministry. We are often tempted to adopt strategies, methods, or appearances that seem impressive or conventionally wise, perhaps even those offered by well-meaning authorities. However, this verse reminds us that true effectiveness and spiritual victory come from embracing our unique, God-given identity and gifting, rather than trying to fit into someone's mold. It calls us to discern what God has uniquely "proved" through us—our experiences, skills, and the specific ways He has equipped us—and to lean into those with confidence. When facing our "giants," whether personal struggles, professional challenges, or spiritual battles, our ultimate reliance must be on God's strength and His unconventional wisdom, not on human ingenuity or the latest "armor" that we haven't personally "proved" in His service. This requires humility to admit what we cannot do in our own strength and courage to step out in faith with what God has already provided.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Saul offer his armor to David in the first place?
Answer: Saul, as the king and a seasoned warrior, likely offered his personal armor to David out of a combination of conventional military wisdom and a desire for David to succeed. In ancient warfare, a champion would be heavily armored, and Saul's armor would have been the finest available, symbolizing strength and authority. He probably believed it was the best way to protect David and give him a chance against Goliath, relying on human strength and protection. It was a natural, albeit misguided, attempt to equip David according to human standards of battle, rather than recognizing God's unconventional plan, as highlighted in the broader narrative of 1 Samuel 17.
What does "he had not proved [it]" truly mean for David?
Answer: The phrase "he had not proved [it]" (from the Hebrew nâçâh) means David had no practical experience or familiarity with the armor and sword in a combat situation. It wasn't that the armor was defective, but that David hadn't tested it, trained with it, or grown accustomed to fighting while wearing it. His previous victories against the lion and the bear, recounted in 1 Samuel 17:34-37, were achieved with his shepherd's staff and sling, tools he had "proved" and mastered. This lack of personal experience made the armor a hindrance rather than a help, demonstrating that even the best human equipment is useless if it doesn't align with one's unique calling and proven abilities.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
David's rejection of Saul's armor in 1 Samuel 17:39 powerfully foreshadows the Christ who would not rely on worldly power, human wisdom, or conventional methods to achieve ultimate victory. Just as David refused the king's heavy, unfamiliar gear to embrace his unique, God-ordained path, so Jesus consistently rejected the temptations of earthly kingship and political power, choosing instead the path of humility, servanthood, and suffering. He did not come to conquer by the sword or by human might, but by the cross, a method utterly foolish to the world, as articulated in 1 Corinthians 1:18. Jesus' strength was "made perfect in weakness," a profound truth revealed in 2 Corinthians 12:9, fulfilling the principle that God often works through what is despised or weak in the eyes of the world to shame the strong, as described in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29. His victory over sin and death was achieved not by "proved" human weaponry, but by His perfect obedience and the power of the Spirit, a divine strategy that truly "proved" God's ultimate power and love, offering salvation to all who believe in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.