"Was David a man of war before he fought Goliath?" (Alleged Contradiction #E2525)
Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.
I Samuel 16:18
And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. … And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
I Samuel 17:33, 39
Response
Is David not a man of war just because he is “but a youth” and had “not proved” the armor of a specific person (Saul)? Of course not. Yes, David was a man of war, albeit young; and as a prudent man of war, he chose not to wear armor that he had not practiced in or felt comfortable with, as any good soldier would.
Site Under Construction
This site is still under construction. It needs more references, citations, and debate arguments. If you would like to help, please view the community page.