1 Samuel 17:38
And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּלְבֵּ֥שׁ
also he armed
H3847
וַיַּלְבֵּ֥שׁ
also he armed
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַדָּ֔יו
with his armour
H4055
מַדָּ֔יו
with his armour
Strong's:
H4055
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, extent, i.e., height; also a measure; by implication, a vesture (as measured); also a carpet
וְנָתַ֛ן
and he put
H5414
וְנָתַ֛ן
and he put
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
נְחֹ֖שֶׁת
of brass
H5178
נְחֹ֖שֶׁת
of brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
8 of 13
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רֹאשׁ֑וֹ
upon his head
H7218
רֹאשׁ֑וֹ
upon his head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
10 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וַיַּלְבֵּ֥שׁ
also he armed
H3847
וַיַּלְבֵּ֥שׁ
also he armed
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
Historical Context
Royal armor was typically bronze with some iron components, heavy and requiring training to use effectively. Coat of mail (scale armor) could weigh over 60 pounds. Such equipment would restrict movement for one untrained in its use.
Questions for Reflection
- What well-intentioned human provisions might actually hinder your spiritual effectiveness?
- How do you discern between helpful equipping and inappropriate conformity to others' methods?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail.
Saul's attempt to equip David with his own armor represents the human instinct to face spiritual battles with conventional weapons. The image of small David overwhelmed by tall Saul's armor visually illustrates the mismatch between human methods and divine calling. Well-intentioned provision of inappropriate resources can hinder rather than help. David would fight in his own way, with means God had prepared.