Mail, in the context of biblical times, refers to a type of armor used for protection in battle. This armor was typically made of interlocking metal rings or scales, designed to provide flexibility while offering defense against weapons. The use of mail is mentioned in several instances throughout the Bible, highlighting its importance in ancient warfare and its symbolic significance in spiritual contexts.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Samuel 17:5 · In the account of David and Goliath, Goliath is described as wearing a coat of mail: "He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels." This description emphasizes the formidable nature of Goliath's armor, underscoring the challenge David faced. The weight and material of the armor indicate the advanced military technology of the Philistines.

2. 1 Samuel 17:38 · Before David confronts Goliath, King Saul attempts to equip him with his own armor: "Then Saul clothed David with his own tunic, put a bronze helmet on his head, and dressed him in armor." However, David ultimately chooses not to wear the armor, trusting instead in God's protection. This passage illustrates the limitations of physical armor compared to spiritual reliance on God.

3. 2 Chronicles 26:14 · King Uzziah's military preparations included equipping his army with armor: "Uzziah provided shields, spears, helmets, coats of armor, bows, and slingstones for the entire army." This verse highlights the importance of armor in maintaining a well-prepared and formidable military force.

Symbolic Significance:

In addition to its literal use, armor in the Bible often carries symbolic meaning, particularly in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul uses the imagery of armor to describe the spiritual defenses available to believers.

1. Ephesians 6:11-17 · Paul exhorts Christians to "put on the full armor of God" to stand against the schemes of the devil. This passage includes the "breastplate of righteousness" and the "shield of faith," among other elements. The metaphor of armor serves to remind believers of the spiritual battle they face and the divine resources available to them.

2. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 · Paul again uses the imagery of armor, encouraging believers to be "sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of the hope of salvation." Here, armor symbolizes the virtues and assurances that protect the believer's heart and mind.

Historical Context:

Mail armor was a significant advancement in military technology during biblical times. It provided better protection than earlier forms of armor, such as leather or simple metal plates. The use of mail spread throughout the ancient Near East and was adopted by various cultures, including the Israelites, as evidenced by biblical accounts.

The construction of mail involved intricate craftsmanship, with each ring or scale meticulously linked to others. This labor-intensive process made mail armor a valuable and prestigious item, often reserved for warriors of high status or those in royal service.

Conclusion:

The concept of mail as armor in the Bible serves both a practical and a symbolic purpose. Practically, it represents the technological advancements in warfare during biblical times. Symbolically, it illustrates the spiritual armor that believers are called to don in their walk of faith. Through these references, the Bible underscores the importance of both physical and spiritual preparedness in the face of life's battles.1 Samuel 17:5
And he had an helmet of brass on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.
Nave's Topical Index

8302. shiryon -- body armor
... unused word Definition body armor NASB Word Usage armor (3), body armor (1),
breastplate (1), breastplates (1). breastplate, coat of mail, habergeon, harness. ...
/hebrew/8302.htm - 6k

5630. siryon -- armor
... Word Origin another spelling of shiryon Definition armor NASB Word Usage scale-armor
(2). brigandine. For shiryown; a coat of mail -- brigandine. ...
/hebrew/5630.htm - 6k

7193. qasqeseth -- scale (of fish)
... Definition: scales. Word Origin from an unused word Definition scale (of fish)
NASB Word Usage scale-armor (1), scales (7). mail, scale. By ...
/hebrew/7193.htm - 6k

Saul's Armor. 1Sam 17:38-40
... Nor could his life be saved. Without a coat of mail. But David, though he yielded.
To put the armor on,. Soon found he could not wield it,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 28 sauls armor 1sam.htm

The First Kings.
... Attended by his armor-bearer, and clad in complete mail, with weapons to match his
huge bulk, the giant, whose name was Goliah, presented himself daily between ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

The Story of David, the Shepherd Boy
... Then Saul put his own armor on David"a helmet on his head, and a coat
of mail on his body, and a sword at his waist. But Saul ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of david the.htm

At the Well
... with a spike. His armor was complete"shirt of mail, shenti extending
half-way to the knees, greaves of brass and mailed shoes. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvii at the well.htm

The Shout of Faith
... with thee." He could not, however, quite give up all trust in his own accustomed
armor, and he armed David with a helmet of brass, and a coat of mail, and his ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 14 the shout of.htm

The Review of the Troops at Doriscus.
... the historians of the day, with minute descriptions of the kind of armor which the ...
Some were armed with brazen helmets, and coats of mail formed of plates of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vi the review of.htm

David's victory Over the Giant
... to Saul and entered his service; and Saul loved him and he became his armor-bearer ...
garments, and put a helmet of bronze on his head and gave him a coat of mail. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/davids victory over the giant.htm

Fear Not
... God's warrior marches forth to battle with plumed helmet, and with mail about his ...
with their banners trailed in the dust, and with their armor stained with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/fear not.htm

The Power of Little Things.
... A society was some years ago established to distribute tracts by mail in the ... The
Israelites had no battering rams; no great armor or mighty weapons of any kind ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter vi the power of.htm

The Sword of the Spirit
... there is only one weapon of offense provided, although there are several pieces
of armor. ... in sin a man may have coated himself as with mail impenetrable, yet ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the sword of the spirit.htm

About GotQuestions.org | GotQuestions.org

Support GotQuestions.org | GotQuestions.org

Who was Oswald Chambers? | GotQuestions.org

Mail: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus