An armlet, in biblical terms, refers to a decorative band or bracelet worn around the arm, often as a symbol of status, wealth, or allegiance. The use of armlets is mentioned in various contexts within the Bible, highlighting their cultural and symbolic significance in ancient times.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Samuel 1:10 · In this passage, an Amalekite reports to David about the death of King Saul. He claims to have killed Saul and taken his crown and armlet as proof of his deed: "So I stood over him and killed him, because I knew that after he had fallen he could not survive. And I took the crown that was on his head and the armlet that was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my lord." The armlet here signifies royal authority and is a tangible representation of Saul's kingship.

2. Ezekiel 16:11-12 · In this allegorical passage, God describes His adornment of Jerusalem, symbolizing His covenant relationship with His people: "I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head." While the term "bracelets" is used here, it is often understood to include armlets as part of the luxurious adornments bestowed upon Jerusalem, symbolizing divine favor and blessing.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, armlets were commonly worn by both men and women. They were crafted from various materials, including gold, silver, and bronze, and often featured intricate designs. Armlets served not only as personal adornments but also as indicators of social status and wealth. In some cases, they were used in religious or ceremonial contexts, signifying dedication or allegiance to a deity or ruler.

The biblical references to armlets underscore their role as symbols of authority and divine favor. In the case of Saul, the armlet represents his royal status, while in Ezekiel, the adornment of Jerusalem with jewelry, including armlets, signifies God's lavish care and covenantal relationship with His people.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the use of armlets in the Bible can be seen as a reflection of God's desire to bestow honor and dignity upon His chosen people. The adornment of Jerusalem in Ezekiel serves as a metaphor for God's grace and the beauty of His covenant with Israel. Conversely, the removal or loss of such adornments, as in the case of Saul, can symbolize the loss of divine favor or authority.

In summary, armlets in the Bible are more than mere ornaments; they carry deep cultural, social, and theological meanings, reflecting the values and beliefs of the biblical world.Armlet

an ornament universal in the East, especially among women; used by princes as one of the insignia of royalty, and by distinguished persons in general. The word is not used in the Authorized Version, as even in (2 Samuel 1:10) it is rendered by "the bracelet on his arm."

1. (n.) A small arm; as, an armlet of the sea.

2. (n.) An arm ring; a bracelet for the upper arm.

3. (n.) Armor for the arm.

ARMLET

arm'-let: The word translated "bracelet" in 2 Samuel 1:10 the King James Version, probably denotes an "armlet," or "arm-band," worn on the upper arm. But it is the same word which with a different context is rendered "ankle-chains" (in Numbers 31:50 the Revised Version (British and American)). The "bracelet" of Sirach 21:21 the King James Version, worn upon the right arm, was an "armlet," as is seen from the list given of Judith's ornaments: who "decked herself bravely with her armlets (the Revised Version (British and American) `chains') and her bracelets, and her rings, and her ear-rings, and all her ornaments" (Judith 10:4). The nature of the ornaments given in the Revised Version (British and American) as "armlets," Exodus 35:22 Numbers 31:50, and in the King James Version as "tablets," is uncertain. For full and distinguishing, descriptions of "arm-lets," "anklets," "bracelets," etc., found in ancient graves, see PEFS, 1905, 318. See also ORNAMENT.

George B. Eager

685. etsadah -- an armlet
... 684, 685. etsadah. 686 . an armlet. Transliteration: etsadah Phonetic Spelling:
(ets-aw-daw') Short Definition: armlets. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/685.htm - 6k

And He Said they Often Appeared as the Lord Revealed the Devil to ...
... as a beast of burden he received the halter round his nostrils, and as a runaway
his nostrils were bound with a ring, and his lips bored with an armlet [1041 ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/life of antony section 24.htm

Manifold Struggles
... But, Philip, you are the culprit. You are dying to enjoy an armlet and a gold collar,
and so you accuse us!'. Perhaps,' said Philip. Who can tell?'. ...
/.../chapter xxii manifold struggles.htm

Youthful Strength
... Whosoever lives with the thoughts that God has given us in His Word familiar to
His mind and within easy reach of His hand, has therein an armlet against all ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/youthful strength.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... His sandals were of white gazelle-hide, stitched with gold, and, by way of ornament,
he had but a single armlet, and a collar, consisting of ten golden rings ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

A Call to Prayer and Testimony
... A policeman wears an armlet to show that he is on duty, and all believers should
feel that such a badge is worn upon their very heart day and night. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a call to prayer and.htm

Goths at Antioch
... Well, but,' said Philip, we must be like the Homeric heroes, and if I take your
gift you must take mine.' He fetched from his room an armlet of his father's ...
/.../chapter xi goths at antioch.htm

Andromeda
... Loving and gentle she spoke: but the maid stood in awe, as the goddess Plaited with
soft swift finger her tresses, and decked her in jewels, Armlet and anklet ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/andromeda.htm

Armlet (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A small arm; as, an armlet of the sea. 2. (n.)
An arm ring; a bracelet for the upper arm. ... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ARMLET. ...
/a/armlet.htm - 8k

Arming (6 Occurrences)

/a/arming.htm - 8k

Jewel (12 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JEWEL. ju'-el, joo'-el: An ornament of gold, silver
or of precious stones in the form of armlet, bracelet, anklet, nose-ring, etc. ...
/j/jewel.htm - 12k

Let (16815 Occurrences)
... See note under Let, vt. 13. (n.) A noun suffix having a diminutive force; as in
streamlet, wavelet, armlet. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LET. ...
/l/let.htm - 8k

Armlets (3 Occurrences)

/a/armlets.htm - 7k

Why are there contradictory accounts regarding the death of Saul in 1 and 2 Samuel? | GotQuestions.org

Armlet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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