1 Samuel 17:39 – “David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. ‘I cannot go in these,’ he said to Saul, ‘because I am not used to them.’ So he took them off.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, David tries on the armor and sword that King Saul had given him, but he quickly realizes that they do not suit him. He is unaccustomed to wearing such heavy armor, and it hinders his movement. David expresses to Saul that he cannot fight in these unfamiliar and burdensome tools. Instead of relying on traditional military equipment, David chooses to remove the armor and fight Goliath with the tools and skills he knows best—his sling and stones. This moment emphasizes David’s trust in God over human methods of protection and warfare.
Historical Context
David’s rejection of Saul’s armor is significant because it reflects the contrast between the ways of worldly warfare and divine reliance. In ancient times, a warrior’s armor was a symbol of strength and protection. Saul, a seasoned warrior, naturally assumed that David needed the same kind of physical defense to face Goliath. However, David, a young shepherd, had never worn armor before. His experience in fighting wild animals with a sling and stones had proven effective, and more importantly, he trusted in God to deliver him from danger. This moment marks a turning point, where David decides to place his faith in God rather than in human weaponry.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse highlights the theme of trusting in God’s provision rather than relying on human means. David understood that victory would not come from physical strength or armor but from God’s power. His decision to remove the armor and fight with what he knew points to the idea that God equips us with the tools we need, even if they don’t look like what the world expects. It also teaches that we don’t need to conform to the world’s methods of achieving success or victory; God’s ways often defy human expectations and bring about His purposes through faith.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, this verse emphasizes David’s humility and faith. The detail about him trying to walk around in the armor, only to find it burdensome, creates a vivid image of a young man who is unfit for conventional warfare. The simplicity of David’s declaration, “I cannot go in these,” reflects his practical wisdom and willingness to trust in God rather than in material defenses. This verse also serves as a foreshadowing of the impending battle with Goliath, where David’s unconventional methods will lead to an unexpected victory. It sets the stage for the reader to anticipate how God will use David’s faith and trust to accomplish something extraordinary.
Biblical Cross-References
- Zechariah 4:6 – “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” David’s rejection of the armor reflects this truth: the battle would be won through God’s power, not human strength.
- 1 Corinthians 1:27 – “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” David’s use of a sling instead of armor reflects how God often uses the unexpected to achieve His purposes.
- Ephesians 6:10-11 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God.” This passage points to the spiritual armor that believers are called to wear—faith, truth, righteousness—rather than relying on physical strength or worldly methods.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, this verse serves as a reminder that we don’t need to conform to the world’s standards or expectations when facing challenges. Like David, we may feel pressure to adopt the world’s methods for success or protection, but God calls us to rely on His strength and provision. This verse encourages believers to have confidence in the gifts, abilities, and resources that God has given them, even if they seem simple or inadequate by worldly standards. Trusting in God’s way, even when it seems unconventional, leads to victory in His power.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in this verse through His personal care and provision for David. God had equipped David with the skills he needed through his time as a shepherd, and David trusted that God’s plan for him did not require him to conform to the expectations of others. God’s love allows His people to find victory not in the trappings of the world, but in faith and reliance on Him. His love for David and for all His people is displayed in how He guides and prepares them for the battles they will face, ensuring that they have what they need, even if it looks different from what the world expects.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
David’s rejection of Saul’s armor and his trust in God foreshadow Jesus’ own approach to His mission on earth. Jesus did not come as a conquering king with earthly power and armies; instead, He came in humility, trusting in the Father’s plan to bring about victory through sacrifice. Just as David’s victory over Goliath was achieved through faith in God, Jesus’ victory over sin and death was accomplished through His obedience and trust in God’s plan, even when it defied human expectations. David’s faith points to the ultimate act of trust and victory that Jesus displayed on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever felt pressure to rely on worldly methods for success or protection? How can David’s trust in God’s provision encourage you to rely on God’s strength in your own life?
- In what ways can you embrace the gifts and tools God has given you, even if they seem unconventional or inadequate by the world’s standards?
- How does David’s faith in this verse reflect the way Jesus trusted in God’s plan for victory, and how can that inspire your own walk of faith?