1 Samuel 17:39

1 Samuel 17:39 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And David took Saul's sword and put the band round him over the metal coat, and was unable to go forward; for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, It is not possible for me to go out with these, for I am not used to them. So David took them off.

Free Bible Version FBV

David strapped his sword on over the armor but he couldn't walk because he wasn't used to it. “I can't walk in all this,” David told Saul. “I'm not used to it.” So David took all the armor off.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then girded Dauid his sword vpon his rayment, and began to go: for he neuer proued it: and Dauid sayde vnto Saul, I can not goe with these: for I am not accustomed. wherefore Dauid put them off him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And David girded his sword above his long robe, and beginneth to go, for he hath not tried [it]; and David saith unto Saul, 'I am not able to go with these, for I had not tried;' and David turneth them aside from off him.

World English Bible WEB

David strapped his sword on his clothing and he tried to move, for he had not tested it. David said to Saul, “I can’t go with these, for I have not tested them.” Then David took them off.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And David having girded his sword upon his armour, began to try if he could walk in armour: for he was not accustomed to it. And David said to Saul: I cannot go thus, for I am not used to it. And he laid them off,

Translation for Translators T4T

David put these things on. Then he fastened his sword over them, and tried to walk. But he could not walk, because he was not accustomed to wearing those things. So David said to Saul, “I cannot fight wearing all these things, because I am not accustomed to wearing them!” So he took them off.

Plain English Version PEV

David also put on a belt and put Saul’s long knife in it. It was the first time David put on heavy things like that, and he couldn’t walk properly. And he said to Saul, “I can’t walk like this. I’ve never used this kind of thing before.” So he took them off.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 17:39

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 17:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יַּחְגֹּ֣ר דָּוִ֣ד אֶת חַ֠רְבּ/וֹ מֵ/עַ֨ל לְ/מַדָּ֜י/ו וַ/יֹּ֣אֶל לָ/לֶכֶת֮ כִּ֣י לֹֽא נִסָּה֒ וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר דָּוִ֜ד אֶל שָׁא֗וּל לֹ֥א אוּכַ֛ל לָ/לֶ֥כֶת בָּ/אֵ֖לֶּה כִּ֣י לֹ֣א נִסִּ֑יתִי וַ/יְסִרֵ֥/ם דָּוִ֖ד מֵ/עָלָֽי/ו

וַ/יַּחְגֹּ֣ר châgar H2296 to gird Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּוִ֣ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

חַ֠רְבּ/וֹ chereb H2719 sword N-fs | Suff

מֵ/עַ֨ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep

לְ/מַדָּ֜י/ו mad H4055 garment Prep | N-mp | Suff

וַ/יֹּ֣אֶל yâʼal H2974 be willing Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

לָ/לֶכֶת֮ yâlak H3212 to walk Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

נִסָּה֒ nâçâh H5254 to test V-Piel-Perf-3ms

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

דָּוִ֜ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

שָׁא֗וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 Shaul N-proper

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

אוּכַ֛ל yâkôl H3201 be able V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

לָ/לֶ֥כֶת yâlak H3212 to walk Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

בָּ/אֵ֖לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Prep | Pron

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

נִסִּ֑יתִי nâçâh H5254 to test V-Piel-Perf-1cs

וַ/יְסִרֵ֥/ם çûwr H5493 to turn aside Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

דָּוִ֖ד Dâvid H1732 David N-proper

מֵ/עָלָֽי/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 17:39

וַ/יַּחְגֹּ֣ר châgar H2296 "to gird" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word chagar means to gird or put on a belt, and is used to describe preparing for battle or work, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to gird, gird on, gird oneself, put on a belt 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to gird 1a2) to gird on, bind on 1a3) to gird oneself

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: be able to put on, be afraid, appointed, gird, restrain, [idiom] on every side. See also: Exodus 12:11; 2 Kings 3:21; Psalms 45:4.

דָּוִ֣ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

חַ֠רְבּ/וֹ chereb H2719 "sword" N-fs | Suff

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

מֵ/עַ֨ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

לְ/מַדָּ֜י/ו mad H4055 "garment" Prep | N-mp | Suff

A garment or measure, describing something that is measured or fitted. This word is used in the Bible to describe clothing, armor, or a carpet.

Definition: 1) measure, cloth garment 1a) measure 1b) cloth, carpet 1c) garment (outer)

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: armour, clothes, garment, judgment, measure, raiment, stature. See also: Leviticus 6:3; 1 Samuel 17:39; Psalms 109:18.

וַ/יֹּ֣אֶל yâʼal H2974 "be willing" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms

To be willing or undertake something is the meaning of this word. It involves agreeing to or showing willingness to do something, like accepting an invitation or resolving to take action.

Definition: 1) to begin, make a beginning, show willingness, undertake to do, be pleased, be determined 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to agree to, show willingness, acquiesce, accept an invitation, be willing 1a2) to undertake 1a3) to resolve, be pleased, be determined

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: assay, begin, be content, please, take upon, [idiom] willingly, would. See also: Genesis 18:27; Judges 19:6; Hosea 5:11.

לָ/לֶכֶת֮ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

נִסָּה֒ nâçâh H5254 "to test" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to test or try something, often to prove its worth or character. It is used in stories like Job, where God allows Satan to test Job's faith. The idea of testing is also seen in the wilderness, where the Israelites were tested by God.

Definition: : test 1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to test, try 1a2) to attempt, assay, try 1a3) to test, try, prove, tempt

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try. See also: Genesis 22:1; Judges 6:39; Psalms 26:2.

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

דָּוִ֜ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

שָׁא֗וּל Shâʼûwl H7586 "Shaul" N-proper

Shaul is a personal name meaning desired, given to several individuals in the Bible, including a Benjamite who became the first king of Israel and a Levite living during the time of the Divided Monarchy. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and 1 Samuel.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.6.24; son of: Uzziah (H5818H); father of: Elkanah (H0511I); also called Joel at 1Ch.6.36; Also named: yo.el (יוֹאֵל "Joel" H3100U) § Saul or Shaul = "desired" 1) a Benjamite, son of Kish, and the 1st king of Israel 2) an early king of Edom and a successor of Samlah 3) a son of Simeon 4) a Levite, son of Uzziah

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: Saul, Shaul. See also: Genesis 36:37; 1 Samuel 16:22; 1 Samuel 24:5.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

אוּכַ֛ל yâkôl H3201 "be able" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)

Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.

לָ/לֶ֥כֶת yâlak H3212 "to walk" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

בָּ/אֵ֖לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Prep | Pron

This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.

Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)

Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

נִסִּ֑יתִי nâçâh H5254 "to test" V-Piel-Perf-1cs

Definition: : test 1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to test, try 1a2) to attempt, assay, try 1a3) to test, try, prove, tempt

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try. See also: Genesis 22:1; Judges 6:39; Psalms 26:2.

וַ/יְסִרֵ֥/ם çûwr H5493 "to turn aside" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.

Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed

Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: 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. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.

דָּוִ֖ד Dâvid H1732 "David" N-proper

David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.

Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.

מֵ/עָלָֽי/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 17:39

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 17:39 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:39
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:39
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:39
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:39
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:39
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:39
Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:39

Context — David Slays Goliath

37David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.” 38Then Saul clothed David in his own tunic, put a bronze helmet on his head, and dressed him in armor.

39David 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.

40And 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. 41Now the Philistine came closer and closer to David, with his shield-bearer before him.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Zechariah 4:6	So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.
2	2 Corinthians 10:4–5	The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
3	Hosea 1:7	Yet I will have compassion on the house of Judah, and I will save them—not by bow or sword or war, not by horses and cavalry, but by the LORD their God.”

1 Samuel 17:39 Summary

[In 1 Samuel 17:39, we see David trying to wear King Saul's armor, but it doesn't fit him, and he decides to trust in the Lord instead. This teaches us that we don't have to rely on our own strength or resources to overcome challenges, but can trust in God's power and provision, as seen in Psalm 28:7 and Ephesians 6:10-18. By trusting in the Lord, we can have confidence and victory, just like David did when he faced Goliath. This means that we can trust in God's strength and power, rather than our own, and that He will deliver us and give us victory, as promised in Isaiah 41:10 and Romans 8:37.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did David struggle with King Saul's armor?

David struggled with King Saul's armor because he was not accustomed to wearing it, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:39, and instead trusted in the Lord for his protection and victory, similar to how Moses trusted God in Exodus 14:14.

What can we learn from David's decision to remove the armor?

We can learn that sometimes, our own strength and resources are not enough, and we must trust in the Lord's power and provision, as David did, and as the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, we can trust in God's strength in our weakness.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of David and Goliath?

This verse shows David's humility and willingness to trust in the Lord, rather than in his own abilities or the armor of man, which is a key theme throughout the story of David and Goliath, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:37 and 1 Samuel 17:40-51.

What does this verse teach us about faith and trust in God?

This verse teaches us that true faith and trust in God means relying on His power and provision, rather than our own strength or resources, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 17:7-8, and that when we trust in Him, He will deliver us and give us victory.

Reflection Questions

What are the 'armors' in my life that I am trying to wear, but are not fitting me, and how can I learn to trust in the Lord's power and provision instead?
How can I, like David, learn to trust in the Lord's strength and power, rather than my own abilities or resources?
What are the 'smooth stones' in my life that God has given me to trust in and use for His glory, and how can I use them to overcome the 'Goliaths' in my life?
In what ways can I apply the lesson of David's trust in the Lord to my own life and circumstances, and what would it look like to trust in God's power and provision in those areas?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 17:39

And David girded his, sword upon his armour,.... Which Saul also perhaps furnished him with: and he assayed to go; made an attempt, and had a mind to go thus accoutred; he at first showed an

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 17:39

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:39

I have not proved them; I have no skill nor experience in the management of this kind of arms.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:39

1 Samuel 17:39 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.Ver. 39. I cannot go with these.] If Saul’ s coat be never so rich, and his armour never so strong, what is David the better if they fit him not? It is not to be inquired how excellent anything is, but how proper. If we could wish another man’ s honour, when we feel the weight of his cares, we should be glad to be in our own coat. For I have not proved them.] Or, Been accustomed to them. He had been Saul’ s armourbearer for a short while, but never in any battle with him; he had led a rural and pastoral life; and for arms he could not well wield them, and was therefore soon weary of them. Press some people to the exercise of prayer, or any other piece of the armour of God, and they must say, if they say truly, as here, I cannot do in addition, for I have not been accustomed to it. Or if they have taken up such a custom, it may well be said of them as Sidonius saith of King Theodoricus, that he so served God as that any man might see, quod servet illam pro consuetudine potius quam pro religione reverentiam, that he did it more of course, and of custom, than of conscience, or any good affection to God’ s work. Dr Hall. Epist. i., lib. i.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 17:39

Verse 39. I cannot go with these] In ancient times it required considerable exercise and training to make a man expert in the use of such heavy armour; armour which in the present day scarcely a man is to be found who is able to carry; and so it must have been then, until that practice which arises from frequent use had made the proprietor perfect. I have not proved them says David: I am wholly unaccustomed to such armour and it would be an encumbrance to me.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 17:39

39. assayed] i.e. endeavoured. The word is derived from Old Fr. asaier, “to try, put to the proof,” and this from Lat. exigere, “to weigh.” for he had not proved it] He made the effort in ignorance, because he had never tried a suit of armour, and did not know what an encumbrance it would be to one unaccustomed to the use of it. David put them off him] “Expeditissimus ille ad prœlium procedere cupiebat; fortis non in se sed in Domino; armatus non tam ferro quam fide.” “He desired to go forth to the battle in the lightest possible armour: strong in the Lord not in himself: armed not with steel but with faith.” Augustine, Serm. XXXII. God would show, as in the case of Gideon (Judges 7:2), that the victory was His alone. Compare Maurice, Prophets and Kings, p. 46.

Sermons on 1 Samuel 17:39

	Sermon	Description
	The Feeble Shall Be Like David by Joshua Daniel	This sermon focuses on the transformational power of God's grace and the promise that the feeble shall be strengthened like David. It emphasizes the need for humility, righteousnes
	(Exodus) Exodus 12:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the significance of the Passover feast and the death of the firstborn. He emphasizes that redemption is achieved through the blood of Jesus a
	(Reformation Within Protestantism): Real and Practical Beliefs by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the radical changes that have occurred in the world since Jesus' time, such as the industrial and communicational revolutions. These changes h
	(Exodus) Exodus 27:9-21 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of light in the Bible and its connection to Christ. The speaker explains that while Jesus was on earth, he referred to himsel
	The Power of the Holy Spirit by J. Edwin Orr	In this sermon, the preacher uses various illustrations to convey his message. He starts by talking about a farmer and his tractor, highlighting the importance of having the right
	(Men Who Saw God) 4. Joshua by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho. Joshua, feeling inadequate with his small army, encounters a man with a drawn sword who revea
	The Holy Spirit - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the prophecies of Zechariah, specifically chapter 4. The passage describes a vision of a golden candlestick with seven lamps and two olive t