1 Samuel 17:39

KJV

And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved [it]. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved [them]. And David put them off him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And David {H1732} girded {H2296} his sword {H2719} upon his armour {H4055}, and he assayed {H2974} to go {H3212}; for he had not proved {H5254} it. And David {H1732} said {H559} unto Saul {H7586}, I cannot {H3201} go {H3212} with these; for I have not proved {H5254} them. And David {H1732} put {H5493} them off him.

Complete Jewish Bible

David buckled his sword on his armor and tried to walk, but he wasn't used to such equipment. David said to Sha'ul, "I can't move wearing these things, because I'm not used to them." So David took them off.

Berean Standard Bible

David strapped his sword over the tunic and tried to walk, but he was not accustomed to them. “I cannot walk in these,” David said to Saul. “I am not accustomed to them.” So David took them off.

American Standard Version

And David girded his sword upon his apparel, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after David volunteers to fight Goliath, a challenge that has paralyzed the entire Israelite army and King Saul himself for forty days, as vividly described in [1 Samuel 17:1-11](/1_samuel/17-11 "1 Samuel 17:1-11 - Goliath's Challenge"). Having convinced Saul of his capability through recounting his past victories over a lion and a bear while protecting his flock, a testament to God's deliverance in [1 Samuel 17:34-37](/1_samuel/17-34-37 "1 Samuel 17:34-37 - David's Shepherd Experience"), David is offered Saul's own battle attire. The king's gesture is a conventional military response, aiming to equip David with the best available protection and weaponry. David's subsequent refusal of this armor, detailed in this verse, [1 Samuel 17:39](/1_samuel/17-39 "1 Samuel 17:39 - David's Rejection of Saul's Armor"), is a critical turning point. It highlights David's distinct, faith-driven approach, which contrasts sharply with the human-centric fear and reliance on physical might that characterizes Saul and the Israelite army throughout [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel"). This decision directly precedes David's selection of five smooth stones and his sling in [1 Samuel 17:40](/1_samuel/17-40 "1 Samuel 17:40 - David Gathers Stones"), leading to his miraculous victory over the Philistine giant in [1 Samuel 17:48-51](/1_samuel/17-51 "1 Samuel 17:48-51 - David Slays Goliath").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern warfare, armor was vital for a warrior's survival and status. Kings, in particular, would possess elaborate and heavy armor, often made of bronze or iron, which signified their authority, wealth, and military prowess. To offer one's personal armor to another was a significant act, often conferring honor or a symbolic transfer of authority, implying a shared identity or endorsement. However, such armor required extensive training and physical conditioning to wear and fight effectively. David, a young shepherd, was not trained as a conventional soldier; his experience lay in protecting sheep with a sling and staff. His refusal of Saul's armor, therefore, was not merely a matter of comfort or fit, but a bold rejection of the prevailing military conventions and an implicit challenge to the king's conventional wisdom. It underscored the cultural expectation that a champion would be heavily armed, making David's choice even more counter-cultural and faith-driven in a society that valued physical might and military display.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [1 Samuel 17:39](/1_samuel/17-39 "1 Samuel 17:39 - David's Rejection of Saul's Armor") is **trust in God over human methods and might**. David's refusal of Saul's impressive but unfamiliar armor powerfully illustrates his profound reliance on divine protection and provision, rather than conventional military technology or the king's esteemed equipment. This decision embodies the principle of operating according to God's unique leading, rather than conforming to worldly expectations or imitating others. It underscores the theme of **authenticity and personal calling**, as David recognized that Saul's armor, though fitting for a king, was not suited for his own divinely appointed path. Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **God's unconventional victory**, where divine power often manifests through seemingly weak or unexpected means, challenging human wisdom and exalting God's sovereignty. This moment foreshadows a broader narrative where God chooses the humble and overlooked to accomplish His purposes, as seen in David's anointing in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"), where God declares He looks at the heart, not outward appearance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Assayed (Hebrew, _yâʼal'_):** The Hebrew root יָאַל (_yâʼal_), translated "assayed" (H2974), means "to yield, especially assent; hence (pos.) to undertake as an act of volition." In this context, "he assayed to go" (וַיֹּאֵל לָלֶכֶת) indicates David's initial attempt or willingness to undertake the task with Saul's armor. It signifies a genuine effort to comply with the king's wishes and test the conventional approach, but one that immediately revealed its impracticality for him.
* **Proved (Hebrew, _nâçâh'_):** The Hebrew verb נָסָה (_nâçâh_), translated "proved" (H5254), carries the meaning "to test; by implication, to attempt; adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try." David's declaration, "for he had not proved [it]" (כִּי לֹא נִסָּה) and "for I have not proved [them]" (כִּי לֹא נִסִּיתִי), signifies a lack of practical experience, familiarity, or successful testing with the armor in a combat scenario. David had not personally put the armor to the test to confirm its effectiveness for *him* in battle. This contrasts sharply with his shepherd's tools, which he had indeed "proved" against the lion and the bear in [1 Samuel 17:34-37](/1_samuel/17-34-37 "1 Samuel 17:34-37 - David's Shepherd Experience").
* **Put them off (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** The Hebrew root שׂוּר (_çûwr_), translated "put them off" (H5493), means "to turn off (literal or figurative); be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without." David's decisive action to "put them off him" (וַיָּסַר דָּוִד מֵעָלָיו) signifies a complete and deliberate removal, a physical and symbolic disengagement from Saul's conventional military approach, marking his firm resolve to rely on his own, God-ordained methods.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go;":** This clause depicts David's initial attempt to comply with Saul's request. "Girded" (H2296, _châgar_) means to bind on or equip. David earnestly puts on the full military ensemble—Saul's armor (H4055, _mad_) and sword (H2719, _chereb_)—and makes an effort to move, to "assayed to go" (H2974, _yâʼal_ to go H3212, _yâlak_). This demonstrates his initial obedience and willingness to consider conventional methods, even if they were foreign to him. The verb "assayed" indicates a physical trial that immediately revealed the unsuitability of the gear.
* **"for he had not proved [it].":** This parenthetical explanation immediately follows David's attempt to move, providing the crucial reason for his difficulty. The phrase "he had not proved [it]" (H5254, _nâçâh_) conveys the sense of "not having tested" or "not having experienced" its effectiveness in battle *personally*. This is the pivotal insight: the armor was not part of his established, God-given skillset or experience.
* **"And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved [them].":** Here, David articulates his decision directly to Saul, firmly but respectfully. His declaration, "I cannot go with these" (H3201, _yâkôl_ not to go H3212, _yâlak_), is a clear rejection based on practical inability rather than defiance. He reiterates the reason: "for I have not proved [them]" (H5254, _nâçâh_), emphasizing his lack of personal experience and comfort with the gear. This repetition underscores the pivotal nature of this realization for David and his unwavering commitment to his own path.
* **"And David put them off him.":** This final, decisive action seals David's commitment to his own, God-ordained path. "Put them off him" (H5493, _çûwr_) signifies a complete disengagement from Saul's conventional military approach. It is a physical manifestation of his spiritual reliance on God's power and his own proven, albeit unconventional, methods.

#### 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.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Zechariah 4:6](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6 - Not by Might, Nor by Power")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power Made Perfect in Weakness")

### 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
* **What "armor" or conventional methods are you currently tempted to rely on that God might be calling you to "put off"?**
* **In what areas of your life have you "proved" God's faithfulness and your unique gifting? How can you lean into those more fully?**
* **How does David's trust in God's unconventional strategy challenge your own approach to difficult situations?**

### 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](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath").

**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](/1_samuel/17-34-37 "1 Samuel 17:34-37 - David's Shepherd Experience"), 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](/1_corinthians/1-18 "1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross"). Jesus' strength was "made perfect in weakness," a profound truth revealed in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness"), 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](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Lowly"). 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zechariah 4:6

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

2 Corinthians 10:4

(For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

2 Corinthians 10:5

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Hosea 1:7

But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen.