1 Samuel 17:40

Translation
King James Version
¶ And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And he took H3947 his staff H4731 in his hand H3027, and chose H977 him five H2568 smooth H2512 stones H68 out of the brook H5158, and put H7760 them in a shepherd's H7462 bag H3627 which he had, even in a scrip H3219; and his sling H7050 was in his hand H3027: and he drew near H5066 to the Philistine H6430.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Then he took his stick in his hand and picked five smooth stones from the riverbed, putting them in his shepherd's bag, in his pouch. Then, with his sling in his hand, he approached the P'lishti.
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Berean Standard Bible
And David took his staff in his hand, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag. And with his sling in hand, he approached the Philistine.
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American Standard Version
And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his wallet; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
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World English Bible Messianic
He took his staff in his hand, and chose for himself five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his wallet. His sling was in his hand; and he drew near to the Philistine.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Then tooke he his staffe in his hand, and chose him fiue smoothe stones out of a brooke, and put them in his shepheards bagge or skrippe, and his sling was in his hand, and he drewe neere to the Philistim.
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Young's Literal Translation
And he taketh his staff in his hand, and chooseth for him five smooth stones from the brook, and putteth them in the shepherds' habiliments that he hath, even in the scrip, and his sling is in his hand, and he draweth nigh unto the Philistine.
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See also
1 Corinthians 1:271 Corinthians 1:29Judges 20:16Judges 15:15Judges 15:16Matthew 10:10Judges 7:16
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David and Goliath
David and Goliath View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 7,659 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

1 Samuel 17:40 vividly portrays David's deliberate and unconventional preparation for his confrontation with Goliath, a moment that stands as a testament to profound faith and divine empowerment. Having steadfastly refused King Saul's heavy armor, David, a humble shepherd, instead gathers the familiar tools of his trade: his staff, five carefully chosen smooth stones from a nearby brook, and his trusty sling. This meticulous detail underscores David's reliance not on human military might, but on the practical skills God had already cultivated in him and on the sovereign power of the Almighty, setting the stage for a miraculous victory that would defy all worldly expectations.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse immediately follows David's courageous rejection of King Saul's armor in 1 Samuel 17:39, a decision rooted in his unfamiliarity with such equipment and, more profoundly, in his conviction that victory would come from God, not from human strength. For forty days, Goliath, the Philistine champion, had terrorized the Israelite army with his blasphemous taunts, leaving King Saul and his soldiers paralyzed with fear, as depicted in 1 Samuel 17:11. David, having arrived to deliver provisions to his brothers, was stirred by Goliath's defiance of the living God and volunteered to face him. His meticulous preparation in this verse marks a critical transition from verbal declaration of faith to decisive physical action, showcasing his unique approach—one that prioritizes divine enablement and practical skill over conventional military might.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Philistines, a powerful maritime people who had settled in the coastal plain of Canaan, possessed advanced iron technology, granting them a significant military advantage over the Israelites, who were still largely reliant on bronze weaponry, as evidenced in 1 Samuel 13:19-22. The practice of champion warfare, where a single warrior from each army would fight to determine the outcome of a battle, was a recognized method in the ancient Near East, intended to minimize widespread casualties. Shepherds in ancient Israel were far from passive; they were often robust and highly skilled individuals, adept at defending their flocks from dangerous predators like lions and bears, a capability David himself recounts in 1 Samuel 17:34-36. The sling, often underestimated, was in fact a formidable and accurate projectile weapon, capable of inflicting lethal force when wielded by a trained hand. David's choice of tools, therefore, was not born of naiveté but of practical wisdom, honed experience, and unwavering trust in God's empowering presence.
  • Key Themes: This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of Reliance on Divine Power over Human Strength. David's rejection of Saul's heavy, unfamiliar armor in favor of his simple shepherd's tools is a stark demonstration that true victory originates from God's intervention, not from conventional human might or sophisticated weaponry. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, echoing the consistent biblical truth that God's strength is often perfected in human weakness, as beautifully articulated in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Secondly, the passage highlights The Significance of the Ordinary and Humble. David, the youngest and seemingly least qualified, utilizes the most unassuming implements to confront the mightiest warrior. This foreshadows God's consistent pattern of choosing the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise and mighty, thereby demonstrating His sovereign power and confounding human wisdom. Lastly, the verse underscores Faith in Action and Divine Providence. David's deliberate and careful preparation is not reckless bravado but a calculated act of faith. His earlier declaration to Saul in 1 Samuel 17:37 that the Lord would deliver him is now translated into purposeful, practical steps, demonstrating that genuine faith is active, resourceful, and trusts God to work through available means.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • smooth (Hebrew, challuq', H2512): This adjective describes the stones David selected. It implies something polished, slippery, or rounded, typically by water erosion. Smooth stones are ideal for slinging because their uniform shape allows for a stable trajectory and maximum velocity upon release, significantly increasing accuracy and impact force. This detail highlights David's practical understanding and strategic thinking, ensuring his chosen projectiles were optimally effective.
  • scrip (Hebrew, yalqûwṭ', H3219): This term refers to a travelling pouch or bag, often made of leather, commonly carried by shepherds, travelers, or beggars for provisions or small personal items. In this context, it emphasizes the humble, practical, and non-military nature of David's equipment, contrasting sharply with the elaborate and heavy armor typically worn by warriors like Goliath or King Saul. It distinctly marks David's identity as a shepherd, not a conventional soldier.
  • drew near (Hebrew, nâgash', H5066): This primitive root signifies to be or come near, or to approach. In this verse, it denotes David's decisive and confident advance towards the Philistine champion. This action is the culmination of his preparation and faith, signifying his unwavering courage and determination to engage in battle, trusting in divine enablement rather than human might.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And he took his staff in his hand,": David's staff, a fundamental tool of his shepherd's trade, symbolized his identity, authority, and served as both a guide for his flock and a defensive weapon against predators. Its presence here signifies David's reliance on his familiar skills and God-given abilities, rather than adopting unfamiliar military equipment. It also subtly echoes the biblical motif of God's rod and staff providing comfort and protection, as seen in Psalm 23:4.
  • "and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook,": This clause emphasizes David's careful and deliberate selection process. The specific number "five" suggests thorough preparation, perhaps as a contingency for multiple shots or potential additional adversaries, rather than an overconfident reliance on a single strike. The "smooth" quality indicates his practical understanding of the optimal projectile for a sling, demonstrating foresight and skill.
  • "and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip;": This detail reinforces David's identity as a shepherd and the humble, everyday nature of his provisions. The "scrip" (a small bag) was a common item for carrying food or small necessities. This imagery starkly contrasts David's simple, ordinary gear with the heavy, specialized armor of a conventional warrior, underscoring his reliance on God's power working through unassuming means.
  • "and his sling [was] in his hand:": The sling was David's primary weapon, a tool he had mastered through countless hours defending his flock from threats. Its placement "in his hand" signifies immediate readiness and active preparation for combat. It represents his honed skill and practical experience, which God would now providentially use for a far greater purpose.
  • "and he drew near to the Philistine.": This final clause marks the decisive moment of approach, signifying David's unwavering courage and determination. It is the culmination of his preparation and faith, as he confidently advances towards the formidable giant, ready to engage in battle. This action is a powerful visual representation of faith translating into direct, courageous confrontation.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound meaning. Symbolism is paramount, as David's staff, smooth stones, and sling symbolize humility, reliance on God's power, and the effectiveness of seemingly insignificant means when divinely empowered. These stand in stark contrast to Saul's heavy armor and Goliath's massive weaponry, which represent human strength, conventional military might, and worldly wisdom. This stark opposition creates dramatic irony, where the expected outcome (Goliath's victory due to superior physical might) is subverted by David's unconventional approach and reliance on God. The careful description of David's deliberate preparation also serves as foreshadowing, subtly hinting at the surprising and miraculous victory to come, demonstrating that God's ways are often contrary to human expectations. The narrative's meticulous focus on David's specific choices and actions underscores his active faith, making him a compelling figure of divine enablement.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This pivotal verse encapsulates a profound theological truth: God delights in using the humble, the weak, and the unconventional to accomplish His mighty purposes, thereby ensuring that the glory belongs to Him alone. David's choice of simple shepherd's tools over the king's armor is a powerful testament to the principle that divine power is not dependent on human might or worldly sophistication. It teaches us that true strength lies in absolute reliance on God, rather than on our own abilities, resources, or the perceived advantages of the world. This narrative serves as an enduring reminder that when we step out in faith, even with seemingly inadequate resources, God can transform our "five smooth stones" into instruments of extraordinary victory, demonstrating His sovereignty and faithfulness in ways that confound human wisdom.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The scene of David preparing for battle in 1 Samuel 17:40 offers timeless lessons for believers navigating the "giants" of their own lives. It challenges us to look beyond conventional solutions and to trust in God's unconventional methods, often working through our seemingly ordinary gifts and experiences. Like David, we are called to discern what "armor" might be hindering us—whether it's reliance on self, worldly wisdom, or the expectations of others—and instead embrace the unique "tools" God has placed in our hands. Our "staff" represents our identity and calling, our "smooth stones" our skills and resources, and our "sling" our faith and obedience. The victory is not contingent on the size of our resources, but on the magnitude of our trust in the God who empowers the weak and makes the impossible possible. This verse encourages us to step forward with courage, knowing that God is able to use our humble preparations for His glorious triumph.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "smooth stones" (gifts, experiences, or simple resources) has God given you that you might be underestimating or overlooking in your current challenges?
  • In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on human strength, conventional wisdom, or external validation rather than God's power and unique provision?
  • How can David's example of humble preparation and bold faith inspire you to confront your own "giants" (fears, obstacles, or spiritual battles) today?

FAQ

Why did David choose five stones, not just one?

Answer: While only one stone was ultimately needed for Goliath's defeat, David's choice of five smooth stones demonstrates both practicality and thoroughness. It could account for potential misses, or the possibility of facing Goliath's shield-bearer or other Philistine warriors who might have accompanied him. More importantly, it reflects David's complete preparedness and confidence, not in the number of stones, but in the God who would direct his aim. It shows he was ready for any contingency, trusting God to work through his diligent preparation and provide the victory.

Was David's sling a primitive or ineffective weapon?

Answer: Absolutely not. In ancient warfare, the sling was a highly effective and precise weapon, especially in the hands of a skilled user like David, who had honed his abilities protecting his flock. Slingers could hurl projectiles at speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour, making them capable of inflicting serious injury or death, even against armored opponents. The smooth, dense stones David chose would have acted like deadly projectiles, demonstrating that his choice was not an act of naive faith but a strategic and practical application of his expertise. This is further supported by historical accounts of slingers being a formidable unit in ancient armies.

Why did David reject Saul's armor?

Answer: David rejected Saul's armor for several key reasons. Firstly, it was ill-fitting and cumbersome, as David was unaccustomed to wearing it ("for he had not proved it"). This highlights the importance of using tools and methods that are appropriate for one's own calling and experience, rather than adopting what is conventional but unsuited. More profoundly, it symbolized a reliance on human strength and military convention, which was contrary to David's faith that victory would come from God alone, not from human might or impressive weaponry. David understood that God's power was his true armor, and he refused to fight a spiritual battle with carnal weapons (2 Corinthians 10:3-4).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The narrative of David and Goliath, particularly David's humble preparation in 1 Samuel 17:40, powerfully foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. David, the unassuming shepherd, confronting a seemingly invincible foe with simple tools, mirrors Christ, who, though divine, took on the humble form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8) to confront the ultimate enemy: sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Just as David rejected the world's conventional armor, Jesus did not come with worldly power or military might, but through the path of humility, suffering, and the cross—a "foolishness to those who are perishing" yet the "power of God" to those who are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:18). The "five smooth stones" and the sling, seemingly inadequate, became instruments of divine victory, much like the cross, an instrument of shame and suffering, became the means by which Christ triumphed over all principalities and powers, disarming them and making a public spectacle of them (Colossians 2:15). David's victory secured Israel's freedom from Philistine oppression; Christ's victory on the cross secured eternal freedom for all who believe, fulfilling His role as the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!. He is the true Messianic King, whose triumph over the forces of evil is achieved not by human strength, but by divine power and perfect obedience, ultimately leading to His glorious reign (Revelation 19:11-16).

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Commentary on 1 Samuel 17 verses 40–47

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

We are now coming near this famous combat, and have in these verses the preparations and remonstrances made on both sides.

I. The preparations made on both sides for the encounter. The Philistine was already fixed, as he had been daily for the last forty days. Well might he go with his armour, for he had sufficiently proved it. Only we are told (Sa1 17:41) that he came on and drew near, a signal, it is likely, being given that his challenge was accepted, and, as if he distrusted his helmet and coat of mail, a man went before him, carrying his shield, for his own hands were full with his sword and spear, Sa1 17:45. But what arms and ammunition is David furnished with? Truly none but what he brought with him as a shepherd; no breastplate, nor corselet, but his plain shepherd's coat; no spear, but his staff; no sword nor bow, but his sling; no quiver, but his scrip; nor any arrows, but, instead of them, five smooth stones picked up out of the brook, Sa1 17:40. By this it appeared that his confidence was purely in the power of God, and not in any sufficiency of his own, and that now at length he who put it into his heart to fight the Philistine put it into his head with what weapons to do it.

II. The conference which precedes the encounter, in which observe,

1.How very proud Goliath was, (1.) With what scorn he looked upon his adversary, Sa1 17:42. He looked about, expecting to meet some tall strong man, but, when he saw what a mean figure he made with whom he was to engage, he disdained him, thought it below him to enter the lists with him, fearing that the contemptibleness of the champion he contended with would lessen the glory of his victory. He took notice of his person, that he was but a youth, not come to his strength, ruddy and of a fair countenance, fitter to accompany the virgins of Israel in their dances (if mixed dancing was then in use) than to lead on the men of Israel in their battles. He took notice of his array with great indignation (Sa1 17:43): "Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? Dost thou think to beat me as easily as thou dost thy shepherd's dog?" (2.) With what confidence he presumed upon his success. He cursed David by his gods, imprecating the impotent vengeance of his idols against him, thinking these fire-balls thrown about him would secure his success: and therefore, in confidence of that, he darts his grimaces, as if threatening words would kill (Sa1 17:44): "Come to me, and I will give thy flesh to the fowls of the air, it will be a tender and delicate feast for them." Thus the security and presumption of fools destroy them.

2.How very pious David was. His speech savours nothing of ostentation, but God is all in all in it, Sa1 17:45-47. (1.) He derives his authority from God: "I come to thee by warrant and commission from heaven, in the name of the Lord, who has called me to and anointed me for this undertaking, who, by his universal providence, is the Lord of hosts, of all hosts, and therefore has power to do what he pleases, and, by the special grace of his covenant, is the God of the armies of Israel, and therefore has engaged and will employ his power for their protection, and against thee who hast impiously defied them." The name of God David relied on, as Goliath did on his sword and spear. See Psa 20:7; Psa 118:10, Psa 118:11. (2.) He depends for success upon God, Sa1 17:46. David speaks with as much assurance as Goliath had done, but upon better ground; it is his faith that says, "This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hand, and not only thy carcase, but the carcases of the host of the Philistines, shall be given to the birds and beasts of prey." (3.) He devotes the praise and glory of all to God. He did not, like Goliath, seek his own honour, but the honour of God, not doubting but by the success of this action, [1.] All the world should be made to know that there is a God, and that the God of Israel is the one only living and true God, and all other pretended deities are vanity and a lie. [2.] All Israel (whom he calls not this army, but this assembly, or church, because they were now religiously attending the goings of their God and King, as they used to do in the sanctuary) shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear (Sa1 17:47), but can, when he pleases, save without either and against both, Psa 46:9. David addresses himself to this combat rather as a priest that was going to offer a sacrifice to the justice of God than as a soldier that was going to engage an enemy of his country.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 40–47. Public domain.
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John CassianAD 435
CONFERENCE 24.8.1-2
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.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
And he placed them and took his staff, etc. The Lord arranged the sacraments of the law, which He deemed good to adopt for a short time to prove their goodness in its time, and He exercised His power of judgment, which He always used to rule everything, even freely concerning the arrangement of the law. He set aside Saul's armor when He said: For the Son of Man is the Lord even of the Sabbath (Matt. XII). He took his staff, always held in his hands when he was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes and Pharisees. He put on Saul's armor, coming to the singular battle, when, as His passion's struggle approached, He said to His disciples: With desire I have desired, etc. (Luke XXII). He set them aside when he added: For I say unto you, I will not eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God, etc. (Ibid.). In the same manner, He foretold that the Paschal cup, legally observed, should no longer be observed carnally. He took his staff, which he always had in his hands, when, with the mystery of His cross beneficial for the salvation of the world (for the figure of the staff can not improperly be applied to Him, who always had time and manner in His power), He taught His disciples: Taking bread, He gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them, saying: This is my body, etc.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Samuel
And he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, etc. Having shown the rejection of the preceding commandment, because of its weakness and unprofitableness, the Lord rather taught Himself to choose the very law, which is written in five books, to be observed spiritually, extracting it from the turbid minds of those who, having a veil over their hearts, could not look attentively at the face of Moses, and lifting it into the free air of evangelical light. Therefore, He also was careful to commit the spiritual law's sublime intellect to the hearts of the spiritual pastors, whom He had with Him as companions. To this, He added the aid of the allegorical, moral, and anagogical senses, as if woven into a threefold cord. Thus armed with such fitting weapons, He set forth to conquer the prince of this world as a victor.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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