1 Samuel 17:38

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Samuel 17:38 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Saul clad David with his apparel, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head, and he clad him with a coat of mail.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Saul clad David with his apparel, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head, and he clad him with a coat of mail.
1 Samuel 17:38 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Samuel 17

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
38And Saul clad David with his apparel, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head, and he clad him with a coat of mail.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Saul armed David with his armour, etc.] Not with what he wore himself; for it cannot be thought he would strip himself of his armour in the field of battle, and when just going to it; and besides what suited the one would not be fit for the other, their bulk and stature being different i but this was some armour Saul had brought with him, besides what he himself wore, to furnish any with that might want it: and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; such an one, though not so large as Goliath had, these being usually made of brass; (see Gill on “<091705>1 Samuel 17:5”); also he armed him with a coat of mail; which probably was of brass also, and like that of Goliath’s too, only lesser,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Saul armed David with his armour--The ancient Hebrews were particularly attentive to the personal safety of their warriors, and hence Saul equipped the youthful champion with his own defensive accoutrements, which would be of the best style. It is probable that Saul's coat of mail, or corslet, was a loose shirt, otherwise it could not have fitted both a stripling and a man of the colossal stature of the king.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Armour - With armour taken out of his armoury. He seems to speak of some military vestments which were then used in war, and were contrived for defence; such as buff - coats are now. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 17:39”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“armed David with his armour: Heb. clothed David with his clothes, Sa1 17:5 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 17:39”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification