Final Answer:
Saul says David cannot go up against the Philistine because of David's youth and lack of experience in traditional warfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
Saul's assertion that David cannot confront the Philistine stems from a pragmatic evaluation of David's qualifications. In the historical context, facing a formidable adversary like the Philistine required not only courage but also seasoned military expertise. David, being young and untested in conventional warfare, lacked the practical know-how and battle-hardened skills that Saul deemed necessary for such a formidable challenge.
Moreover, Saul likely considered the Philistine's military prowess and stature, contrasting it with David's youth and relative inexperience. The Philistine champion, Goliath, was a formidable figure, and Saul may have doubted David's ability to contend with such a seasoned and physically imposing opponent. Saul's concern for David's safety could be seen as a practical and strategic decision to avoid putting an untested individual in a high-stakes confrontation.
While David's confidence and faith played a crucial role in the biblical narrative, Saul's reservations were grounded in the conventional norms of warfare during that time. The decision-making process in ancient military strategies often prioritized seasoned warriors over untested youths. Saul's perspective sheds light on the clash between traditional military logic and the unconventional faith-driven approach that ultimately defined David's victory.