1 Samuel 17:39 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →David tries the armor, finds it untested and useless to him, and takes it off.
What Does 1 Samuel 17:39 Mean?
David buckles on the sword and attempts to walk, but the armor is strange to him; he has not proved it. So he tells Saul plainly, I cannot go with these, and puts the whole outfit off. He will not fight in gear he cannot trust.
David refuses to lean on what he has never tested, choosing instead the simple tools through which God has already proved faithful. There is wisdom in this honesty. Borrowed strength can hinder as much as help. The servant of God does best to go forward in the ways the Lord has actually blessed in his life, rather than in the heavy armor others would press upon him.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Samuel 17:39
What does 1 Samuel 17:39 mean?
David tries the armor, finds it untested and useless to him, and takes it off.