Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "mail" primarily refers to protective armor rather than the modern concept of postal correspondence. The use of mail as armor is mentioned in several passages, highlighting its significance in ancient warfare and the protection of warriors.
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 was wearing a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels." This description emphasizes the formidable nature of Goliath's armor, designed to protect him in battle.
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 to face Goliath without the cumbersome mail, relying instead on his faith and skill with a sling.
3.
2 Chronicles 26:14 · The reign of King Uzziah is noted for military advancements, including the provision of armor for his soldiers: "Uzziah supplied the entire army with shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows, and slingstones." This passage illustrates the importance of mail and other protective gear in the preparation and equipping of an effective military force.
Symbolism and Spiritual Application:In a spiritual sense, the concept of mail or armor is often used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe the spiritual protection provided by God. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, uses the imagery of armor to convey the idea of spiritual readiness and defense against evil.
Ephesians 6:11-17 · Paul exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (
Ephesians 6:11). He describes various components of this spiritual armor, including the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shield of faith. While not explicitly mentioning "mail," the concept of protective armor is central to this passage, emphasizing the need for spiritual vigilance and preparedness.
Historical and Cultural Context:In ancient times, mail was typically made of interlocking metal rings or scales, providing flexibility and protection. It was a crucial part of a soldier's equipment, reflecting the technological advancements and military strategies of the period. The use of mail in biblical narratives underscores the reality of physical warfare while also serving as a backdrop for spiritual lessons.
Theological Insights:The biblical references to mail highlight the human need for protection, both physically and spiritually. While physical armor like mail was essential for survival in battle, the Bible consistently points to God as the ultimate source of protection and strength. The metaphor of spiritual armor in Ephesians encourages believers to rely on divine resources to withstand spiritual challenges and adversities.
In summary, while the term "mail" in the Bible primarily refers to physical armor, its symbolic use in Scripture provides profound insights into the nature of spiritual warfare and the believer's reliance on God's protection.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Mail, Coat of
"a corselet of scales," a cuirass formed of pieces of metal overlapping each other, like fish-scales (1 Samuel 17:5); also (38) a corselet or garment thus encased.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A spot.
2. (n.) A small piece of money; especially, an English silver half-penny of the time of Henry V.
3. (n.) Rent; tribute.
4. (n.) A flexible fabric made of metal rings interlinked. It was used especially for defensive armor.
5. (n.) Hence generally, armor, or any defensive covering.
6. (n.) A contrivance of interlinked rings, for rubbing off the loose hemp on lines and white cordage.
7. (n.) Any hard protective covering of an animal, as the scales and plates of reptiles, shell of a lobster, etc.
8. (v. t.) To arm with mail.
9. (v. t.) To pinion.
10. (n.) A bag; a wallet.
11. (n.) The bag or bags with the letters, papers, papers, or other matter contained therein, conveyed under public authority from one post office to another; the whole system of appliances used by government in the conveyance and delivery of mail matter.
12. (n.) That which comes in the mail; letters, etc., received through the post office.
13. (n.) A trunk, box, or bag, in which clothing, etc., may be carried.
14. (v. t.) To deliver into the custody of the post office officials, or place in a government letter box, for transmission by mail; to post; as, to mail a letter.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
COAT OF MAILmal.
SeeARMOR, ARMS;BRIGANDINE.
MAIL
mal.
SeeARMOR.
Strong's Hebrew
7193. qasqeseth -- scale (of fish)... Word Origin from an unused word Definition scale (of fish) NASB Word Usage
scale-armor (1), scales (7).
mail, scale. By reduplication
...8473. tachra -- a corselet
... 8472, 8473. tachra. 8474 . a corselet. Transliteration: tachra Phonetic
Spelling: (takh-ar-aw') Short Definition:mail. Word Origin...
8302. shiryon -- body armor
... armor (1), breastplate (1), breastplates (1). breastplate, coat ofmail,
habergeon, harness. Or shiryon {shir-yone'}; and shiryan...
5630. siryon -- armor
... armor (2). brigandine. For shiryown; a coat ofmail -- brigandine. see HEBREW
shiryown. 5629, 5630. siryon. 5631 . Strong's Numbers.
7448. resen -- a halter, jaw
... Definition: bridle. Word Origin from an unused word Definition a halter,
jaw NASB Word Usage bridle (3),mail (1). bridle. From an...
Library
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smithre@mail.ctsfw.edu. SurfaceMail: 6600 N. Clinton St., Ft....
Successful Methods of Public Speaking
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Fifteen Thousand Useful Phrases The World's Great SermonsMail Course in...
Timely Supplies
... as a channel of help to others. On Saturday, the 4th inst., our regular
homemail arrived. That morning we supplied, as usual, a...
Hymn for the Lighting of the Lamps
... But, mad with jealous fury, Egypt's king Calls his great host to battle for their
lord: Swiftly the cohorts gather at his word, And down themail-clad lines...
This Text was Translated in 1994 and Revised in 2002 for Project...
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The Sacrament of the Altar
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Thesaurus
Mail (11 Occurrences)... Easton's Bible Dictionary
Mail, Coat of. "a corselet
... 8. (vt) To arm with
mail.
9. (vt) To pinion. 10. (n.) A bag; a wallet. 11. (n.) The
...Habergeon (3 Occurrences)
... In Job 41:26 (Hebrews shiryah) it is properly a "coat ofmail;" the Revised Version
has "pointed shaft." In Exodus 28:32, 39:23, it denotes a military garment...
Post (26 Occurrences)
... station to another; especially, the governmental system in any country for carrying
and distributing letters and parcels; the post office; themail; hence, the...
Scale-armor (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:5 and a helmet of brass 'is' on his head, and 'with' a scaled coat of
mail he 'is' clothed, and the weight of the coat ofmail 'is' five thousand...
Spears (25 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 26:14 Uzziah prepared for them, even for all the army, shields, and
spears, and helmets, and coats ofmail, and bows, and stones for slinging....
Coat (54 Occurrences)
... Coat ofmail.... The "harness" (1 Kings 22:34), "breastplate" (Isaiah 59:17), and
"brigandine" (Jeremiah 46:4), were probably also corselets or coats ofmail....
Coats (29 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 26:14 Uzziah prepared for them, even for all the army, shields, and
spears, and helmets, and coats ofmail, and bows, and stones for slinging....
Arms (166 Occurrences)
... IV. DEFENSIVE WEAPONS 1. Shield 2. Helmet 3. Coat ofMail 4. Greaves 5. Girdle
LITERATURE I. Armor in General-Old Testament. (maddim...
Armor (53 Occurrences)
... IV. DEFENSIVE WEAPONS 1. Shield 2. Helmet 3. Coat ofMail 4. Greaves 5. Girdle
LITERATURE I. Armor in General-Old Testament. (maddim...
Binding (23 Occurrences)
... 28:32 It shall have a hole for the head in its midst: it shall have a binding of
woven work around its hole, as it were the hole of a coat ofmail, that it not...
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