1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 17:39Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The sovereign bestowed upon him his weapons, yet he was unable to bear them. The reason lies in God's divine will, which prevented this so that the glory of the triumph would not be ascribed to the weapon itself, ensuring that the ruler could not claim, “My weapon has secured the victory.”

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However, he took up the burden of this weapon but found it too heavy to carry. Thus, it was ordained that the might of God, which operated through him, would be more vividly showcased, ensuring that the results would not be credited to the strength of the weapon.

As David prepared to confront Goliath, a formidable giant, he removed the cumbersome armor that hindered him (see 1 Samuel 17:4, 38-40). For bravery is often more dependent on one's inner strength than on external protection. Utilizing his skill from a distance, David launched a stone that struck down his foe.

It is sometimes evident that a noble action can lead to a flawed example. If someone believes they are performing the same act while lacking the same intent, purpose, or a corresponding virtue, they risk becoming ensnared in falsehood and ruin, even as others derive the rewards of eternal life from those very actions. The courageous youth who confronted the fearsome giant would have met a similar fate had he fought equipped with the heavy armor of Saul, which was suited for a seasoned soldier capable of vanquishing many foes.