Topical Encyclopedia
The coat of mail, also known as a "mail coat" or "chain mail," is a type of armor mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of warfare and protection. This protective garment was made of interlinked metal rings or scales, designed to shield the wearer from the blows of swords, spears, and other weapons. The coat of mail is a significant piece of military equipment in ancient times, reflecting the technological advancements in metallurgy and warfare.
Biblical References:1.
1 Samuel 17:5 · The most notable mention of a coat of mail in the Bible is in the account of David and Goliath. Goliath, the Philistine giant, 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 highlights the formidable nature of Goliath's armor, emphasizing his strength and the challenge he posed to the Israelite army.
2.
1 Samuel 17:38 · Before David faced Goliath, King Saul attempted to equip David with his own armor, including a coat of mail: "Then Saul clothed David in his own tunic, put a bronze helmet on his head, and dressed him in armor." . However, David chose not to wear it, as he was not accustomed to such armor, preferring instead to rely on his faith and skill with a sling.
3.
2 Chronicles 26:14 · The coat of mail is also mentioned in the context of King Uzziah's military preparations: "Uzziah provided the entire army with shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows, and slingstones." . This passage indicates the widespread use of armor, including coats of mail, as part of the standard military equipment for the protection of soldiers.
Historical and Cultural Context:The coat of mail was a crucial development in ancient military technology. It provided a balance between protection and mobility, allowing soldiers to move relatively freely while being shielded from enemy attacks. The use of metal rings or scales was an effective way to distribute the force of a blow, reducing the likelihood of injury.
In the ancient Near East, where the biblical narratives are set, the coat of mail would have been a symbol of strength and military prowess. It was typically worn by elite soldiers and warriors, such as Goliath, who were expected to lead and inspire their troops in battle.
Spiritual Symbolism:In a spiritual sense, the coat of mail can be seen as a metaphor for the protection that God provides to His people. Just as a physical coat of mail shields a soldier from harm, believers are encouraged to "put on the full armor of God" (
Ephesians 6:11) to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. This armor includes truth, righteousness, faith, and salvation, which serve as divine protection in the spiritual battles faced by Christians.
The coat of mail, therefore, serves as both a historical artifact and a spiritual symbol within the biblical narrative, illustrating the themes of protection, faith, and divine strength.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Coat of MailCOAT OF MAIL
mal.
SeeARMOR, ARMS;BRIGANDINE.
Strong's Hebrew
8302. shiryon -- body armor... breastplate,
coat of
mail, habergeon, harness. Or shiryon {shir-yone'}; and
shiryan {shir- yawn'}; also (feminine) shiryah {shir-yaw
...7193. qasqeseth -- scale (of fish)
... By reduplication from an unused root meaning to shale off as bark; a scale (of a
fish); hence acoat ofmail (as composed of or covered with jointed plates of...
8473. tachra -- a corselet
... Definition:mail. Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a corselet
NASB Word Usagecoat ofmail (2). Tahpenes. From charah...
5630. siryon -- armor
... armor (2). brigandine. For shiryown; acoat ofmail -- brigandine. see HEBREW
shiryown. 5629, 5630. siryon. 5631 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
David's victory Over the Giant
... Saul clothed David with his own garments, and put a helmet of bronze on
his head and gave him acoat ofmail. And David fastened...
A Successful Man of Affairs.
... anchor."OW Holmes. He that respects himself is safe from others; He wears
acoat ofmail that none can pierce. It is more important...
Preface
... that these ages of a faith which moved mountains, or at least essayed to remove
the Turk, were minded to express their beliefs in thecoat ofmail of human...
Grant Now, O Blessed, that Even to Christians the Prison is...
... bodies and minds may not shrink at having to pass from shade to sunshine, from sunshine
to icy cold, from the robe of peace to thecoat ofmail, from silence...
Paul and his Praying (Continued)
... nature?" And then William Law gives various examples, which I am bound to say would
not be helpful to me, as they would imprison my spirit in acoat ofmail....
What Happened Before the Crucifixion.
... boldness. I will put thee on Mycoat ofmail, for My entire Passion must
thou suffer over again according to thy strength. Make...
Christian Asceticism
... We can gird it on, and if we do, it will be as an impenetrablecoat-of-mail, which
will turn the sharpest arrows and resist the fiercest sword-cuts....
Saul's Armor. 1Sam 17:38-40
... So Saul advised David. He certainly would fail; Nor could his life be saved. Without
acoat ofmail. But David, though he yielded. To put the armor on,....
April the Twenty-Sixth Goliath Versus God!
... He had splendid military equipment. "A helmet of brass," and "acoat ofmail," and
"a spear like a weaver's beam!" Surely, if fine material equipment...
Of the Method of Continual Prayer.
... This verse is an impregnable wall for all who are labouring under the attacks of
demons, as well as impenetrablecoat ofmail and a strong shield....
Resources
What is PETA? Can a Christian support PETA? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the prophecy of St. Malachy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about generosity? | GotQuestions.orgCoat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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