John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:40
And he took his staff in his hand ,.... His shepherd's staff, which he used in keeping his father's sheep, and chose rather to appear in the habit of a shepherd than of a soldier: and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook ; which ran in the valley, which became smooth by lying in the water running over them; and which being smooth were fitter for his purpose, being the more easily cast out of the sling; though De Dieu is of opinion that these were parts or pieces of stones, cleft... read more
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 17:39
And David girded his, sword upon his armour ,.... Which Saul also perhaps furnished him with: and he assayed to go ; made an attempt, and had a mind to go thus accoutred; he at first showed an inclination to go in such an habit, but afterwards would not: for he had not proved it ; as warriors were wont to do; so Achilles did F9 Homer. Iliad. 19. ver. 384,385. so Theocrit. Idyll. 10. ver. 61. ; he never made trial of such armour before, he had not been used to it, and knew not... read more