1 Samuel 17:40

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

1 Samuel 17:40 captures a pivotal moment in the iconic story of David and Goliath, showcasing David's humble yet confident preparation for battle. After rejecting King Saul's heavy armor, David, a young shepherd, returns to the familiar tools of his trade. This verse highlights his strategic choice of simple, effective implements: a staff, five smooth stones from a brook, a shepherd's bag, and his sling. It sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation where faith and ingenuity will triumph over brute force and conventional weaponry.

Context

This verse immediately follows David's rejection of Saul's armor, which he found cumbersome and unfamiliar. The Philistine giant, Goliath, had been defying the armies of Israel for forty days, challenging them to send out a champion. The Israelites, including King Saul, were paralyzed with fear (1 Samuel 17:11). David, visiting his brothers at the front lines, heard Goliath's blasphemous challenge and, driven by a deep faith in God, volunteered to fight him. His preparation in this verse underscores his reliance on divine strength and personal skill, not on military might.

Key Themes

  • Reliance on God, Not Human Strength: David's choice of simple shepherd's tools over the king's armor powerfully illustrates that victory comes from God, not from human might or sophisticated weaponry. This echoes the biblical principle that God's strength is made perfect in weakness.
  • Humility and Simplicity: David's approach is unassuming. He doesn't seek glory or rely on outward show but on practical skills honed in his pastoral duties. His "five smooth stones" symbolize God's ability to use the ordinary for extraordinary purposes.
  • Preparation and Skill: Though simple, David's chosen tools were those he was highly skilled with from protecting his flock from lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-36). This demonstrates that God often uses our existing, God-given abilities and experiences when we act in faith.
  • Faith in Action: David's actions in this verse are a direct outflow of his bold faith, which he articulated earlier to Saul (1 Samuel 17:37). He doesn't just believe; he acts decisively and courageously.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Scrip": The KJV term "scrip" (Hebrew: keli) refers to a small leather bag or wallet commonly used by shepherds and travelers for carrying provisions or small items. It emphasizes the humble, practical nature of David's equipment, distinguishing it from military gear.
  • "Brook": The Hebrew word nachal for "brook" or "wadi" implies a seasonal stream bed, often filled with smooth, rounded stones perfect for slinging. This detail highlights David's resourcefulness and intimate knowledge of his environment.

Practical Application

The story of David and Goliath, encapsulated in this verse, offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Use What You Have: God often uses our existing skills and resources, no matter how humble they seem. Don't underestimate the "five smooth stones" (your talents, experiences, or simple tools) that God has placed in your hand.
  • Trust Over Tools: True strength comes from relying on God's power, not on human might or sophisticated equipment. This challenges us to examine where we place our trust when facing overwhelming odds.
  • Courage in the Face of Giants: Like David, we face "giants" in our lives – whether they are personal struggles, societal challenges, or spiritual battles. This verse encourages us to confront them with faith, courage, and the unique provisions God has given us.
  • Reject Unfamiliar Burdens: Sometimes, the "armor" others offer (their methods, expectations, or solutions) is ill-fitting and hinders our effectiveness. It's important to discern what truly aligns with our calling and capabilities, rooted in God's provision and guidance.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 1:27

    But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

  • 1 Corinthians 1:29

    That no flesh should glory in his presence.

  • Judges 20:16

    Among all this people [there were] seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair [breadth], and not miss.

  • Judges 15:15

    And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith.

  • Judges 15:16

    And Samson said, With the jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass have I slain a thousand men.

  • Matthew 10:10

    Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.

  • Judges 7:16

    ¶ And he divided the three hundred men [into] three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.
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