1 Samuel 17:39

He assayed to go. Or, “he tried in vain to go” (RSV).

I have not proved them. Or, “I am not used to them” (RSV). Saul was a coward! He had armor, but knew he could not meet Goliath in his own physical strength. With ostensible prudence he at first refused David permission to fight because of his youth. Then he gave further evidence of his folly by attempting to give his own armor to David.

David’s courteous reply, “I have not proved them,” is evidence of (1) his faith in other equipment that he had previously tested, and (2) his reliance on past experience in meeting new situations as they arose (see LS 196). David ascribed to the power of God victory even over wild animals. Danger had developed in him a sanctified courage, and faithfulness in little things had effectively prepared him for greater trusts. He had proved to be a trustworthy shepherd over his father’s sheep; now he was called to champion the cause of his heavenly Father’s flock (see Ezek. 34:5, 23; 37:24; Matt. 9:36; 25:33; John 10:12, 13). The procedure he chose was determined by his own spiritual convictions rather than by the unsanctified judgment of others, irrespective of position. How much depends upon purity of motive when one is going forth on a perilous enterprise! David could not fight in Saul’s armor — he must be himself. God designs that every man shall work in his own harness. We see a man in public life who takes well with the people, and we copy his mannerisms, hoping to find success through them. But God wants men who will be themselves, men who will learn from each day’s experience what they need to know in order to solve tomorrow’s problems. Thank God for men who dare to use the equipment God has provided them.