Armor-Bearer: Saul
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In the context of ancient Israel, an armor-bearer was a young man chosen to carry the armor and weapons of a warrior, often a king or a military leader. This role was not merely functional but also held significant honor and responsibility, as the armor-bearer was expected to be loyal, brave, and ready to assist in battle.

Saul's Armor-Bearer in Scripture

The role of an armor-bearer is prominently mentioned in the narrative of King Saul, the first king of Israel. Saul's armor-bearer is introduced in the context of Saul's tragic end. In 1 Samuel 31:4-5 , during the battle against the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, Saul finds himself critically wounded and in despair. Fearing capture and mistreatment by the enemy, Saul commands his armor-bearer to draw his sword and kill him. The scripture states:

"Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, 'Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!' But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him."

This passage highlights the deep bond and loyalty expected between a king and his armor-bearer. Despite Saul's command, the armor-bearer was too afraid or perhaps too loyal to take the life of his king, ultimately choosing to die alongside him.

The Role and Significance

The armor-bearer's role was crucial in the ancient military structure. He was responsible for the king's safety, ensuring that the weapons were ready and available during battle. The armor-bearer needed to be trustworthy, as he was privy to the king's strategies and vulnerabilities. In Saul's case, the armor-bearer's refusal to kill Saul demonstrates a profound respect for the anointed king, even in the face of fear and impending defeat.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the broader cultural and historical context of the Old Testament, the position of an armor-bearer was one of close proximity to power and influence. It was a position often given to young men of noble or warrior lineage, serving as a training ground for future leadership roles. The armor-bearer was expected to be courageous, as he would accompany his master into the heart of battle, ready to defend and assist at a moment's notice.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the narrative of Saul and his armor-bearer can be seen as a reflection on the themes of loyalty, fear, and the tragic consequences of disobedience to God. Saul's reign, marked by initial promise but eventual downfall due to disobedience, is poignantly encapsulated in his final moments with his armor-bearer. The armor-bearer's actions—or lack thereof—underscore the gravity of Saul's situation and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the affairs of men.

In summary, the account of Saul and his armor-bearer provides insight into the responsibilities and expectations of this role within the ancient Israelite military framework, while also offering a deeper understanding of the personal and spiritual dynamics at play in the life of Israel's first king.
Nave's Topical Index
1 Samuel 16:21
And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armor bearer.
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1 Samuel 31:6
So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor bearer, and all his men, that same day together.
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Library

David's victory Over the Giant
... his son David. So David came to Saul and entered his service; and Saul
loved him and he became his armor-bearer. Saul sent this ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/davids victory over the giant.htm

Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ...
... And when Saul's armor-bearer saw that he was slain, he killed himself; nor did any
of the king's guards escape, but they all fell upon the mountain called ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 now saul upon.htm

The Death of Two Brave Warriors
... Saul, therefore, took his own sword and fell upon it. When his armor-bearer saw
that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died with him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the death of two brave.htm

Jonathan's Brave Deed
... Then Saul said to the people who were with him, "Look now and see who is gone from
us." When they searched they found that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/jonathans brave deed.htm

How, Upon Saul's Transgression of the Prophet's Commands, Samuel ...
... And when he was come, Saul was pleased with him, and made him his armor-bearer,
and had him in very great esteem; for he charmed his passion, and was the only ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 how upon sauls.htm

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... Now Saul's son agreed with his armor-bearer, that they would go privately to the
enemy's camp, and make a tumult and a disturbance among them. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the philistines.htm

Accordingly, Saul, Having Been First Anointed by Samuel with the ...
... these circumstances, Jonathan, with an audacious design, and with his armor-bearer
as his ... Saul, perceiving this, hastily drew forth his men, and pursuing the ...
/.../chapter xxxiii accordingly saul having.htm

Faithful unto Death.
... asked what evil David had done that he should be put to death, Saul cast his ... The
next day he went out to the rock in the field with his armor-bearer and sent ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxi faithful unto death.htm

Saul Envies David for his Glorious Success, and Takes an Occasion ...
... and all demonstrations of joy, and sang thus: The wives said, that "Saul had slain ...
from the station he was in before, for he was his armor-bearer, which, out ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 saul envies david.htm

The Power of a Pebble.
... and the Lord be with thee." Then Saul armed David with his own armor, but ... Goliath
came on also, his armor-bearer carrying the shield before him, but when he ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xx the power of.htm

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