In the context of ancient Israel, an armour-bearer was a personal assistant to a warrior, particularly those of high rank such as kings or military leaders. The role of an armour-bearer was multifaceted, involving the carrying of weapons, providing protection, and offering support in battle. This position required loyalty, bravery, and a close relationship with the one they served.

Biblical References:

1. Jonathan and His Armour-bearer:
One of the most notable accounts of an armour-bearer is found in the account of Jonathan, the son of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 14, Jonathan and his armour-bearer undertake a daring attack against the Philistine garrison. The armour-bearer plays a crucial role in this venture, demonstrating his loyalty and courage. Jonathan says to his armour-bearer, "Come, let us cross over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few" (1 Samuel 14:6). The armour-bearer responds with unwavering support, "Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul" (1 Samuel 14:7).

2. Saul and His Armour-bearer:
Another significant mention is during the tragic end of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 31, during the battle against the Philistines, Saul is critically wounded. He requests his armour-bearer to kill him to avoid capture, but the armour-bearer, out of fear and respect, refuses. Consequently, Saul takes his own life, and the armour-bearer follows suit, demonstrating the deep bond and loyalty between them: "When his armour-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him" (1 Samuel 31:5).

3. Abimelech and His Armour-bearer:
In Judges 9, Abimelech, the son of Gideon, is mortally wounded by a millstone thrown by a woman. To avoid the disgrace of being killed by a woman, he commands his young armour-bearer to kill him. The armour-bearer complies, highlighting the duty to fulfill the wishes of the one they serve: "So he called his armour-bearer and said, 'Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’’ So his armour-bearer ran him through, and he died" (Judges 9:54).

Role and Significance:

The role of an armour-bearer was not merely functional but also symbolic of trust and loyalty. The position required a deep commitment to the leader, often involving life-and-death situations. Armour-bearers were chosen for their bravery, reliability, and ability to handle the pressures of battle. They were entrusted with the leader's safety and were expected to stand by them in the most perilous circumstances.

In a broader spiritual sense, the concept of an armour-bearer can be seen as a metaphor for the support and loyalty expected within the community of believers. Just as an armour-bearer was essential to the success and safety of a warrior, so too are believers called to support and uphold one another in their spiritual battles, reflecting the unity and strength found in the body of Christ.An officer selected by kings and generals because of his bravery, not only to bear their armour, but also to stand by them in the time of danger. They were the adjutants of our modern armies (Judges 9:54; 1 Samuel 14:7; 16:21; 31:6). 3627. keli -- an article, utensil, vessel
... yokes (1). armour bearer, artillery, bag, carriage, furnish, furniture,
instrument, jewel,. From kalah; something prepared, ie Any ...
/hebrew/3627.htm - 6k

The End of Self-Will
... him.6. So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all ... His last command
is disobeyed by the trembling armour-bearer, whose very awe makes him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of self-will.htm

Friendship; Or, David and Jonathan
... 'And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armour-bearer made, was about
twenty men, within, as it were, an half-acre of land, which a yoke of oxen ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon v friendship or david.htm

How Servile Fear Remains Together with Holy Love.
... The brave prince Jonathan, when going to attack the Philistines amidst the obscurity
of the night, would have his armour-bearer with him, and those that he ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvii how servile fear.htm

The Story of David
... It was no wonder, then, that the king, for a time at least, loved the boy with his
bright face and sunny hair, and wanted to keep him as his armour-bearer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

The King.
... wretched, mad with despair and measureless pride, he flung himself on his bloody
sword, and died a suicide's death, with sons and armour-bearer and all his men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ix the king.htm

Playing on the Harp Before Saul.
... was soothed. Saul was pleased with David. We are told that "he loved him
greatly," and that David became his armour-bearer. But he ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/playing on the harp before.htm

The Fifth
... not there, though "Abishai, the brother of Joab," is there (2 Samuel 23:18); "Asahel,
the brother of Joab," is there (verse 24); "Nahari...armour-bearer to Joab ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fifth.htm

The Distinction to be Made Between the Righteous and the Wicked ...
... Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints." [4692] After this he likewise
describes his armour-bearer, whom he also terms a false prophet: "He spake as ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxviii the distinction to be.htm

The Shameful Sufferer
... Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said unto him, Draw
thy sword and slay me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the shameful sufferer.htm

In the Homes of the People
... At least one soul was led to God by this means. 'When she got her sleep,
I do not know,' says a faithful armour-bearer at one corps. ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/ix in the homes of.htm

Armourbearer (14 Occurrences)
...Armourbearer (14 Occurrences). ... And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after
me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel. (KJV). ...
/a/armourbearer.htm - 11k

Armour-bearer (14 Occurrences)
Armour-bearer. Armourbearer, Armour-bearer. Armoury . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Armourbearer, Armour-bearer. Armoury . Reference Bible.
/a/armour-bearer.htm - 11k

Fellows (30 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 31:4 Then said Saul to his armour-bearer: 'Draw thy sword, and thrust me
through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and ...
/f/fellows.htm - 16k

Therewith (53 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 31:4 Then said Saul unto his armourbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me
through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and ...
/t/therewith.htm - 23k

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)
... three. (See RSV). 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite,
armour-bearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah; (See RSV). 1 ...
/z/zeru'iah.htm - 13k

Saul (371 Occurrences)
... Jonathan became impatient, and with his armour-bearer planned an assault against
the Philistines, unknown to Saul and the army (14:1-15). ...
/s/saul.htm - 76k

Slew (206 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:54 Then he called hastily unto the young man his armourbearer, and said
unto him, Draw thy sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A women slew him ...
/s/slew.htm - 38k

Shouted (65 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 14:12 And the men of the garrison spoke to Jonathan and his armour-bearer,
and said: 'Come up to us, and we will show you a thing.' And Jonathan said ...
/s/shouted.htm - 26k

Armour (32 Occurrences)

/a/armour.htm - 20k

Nahari (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Nahari (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 23:37 Zelek the Ammonite,
Nahari the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah, (KJV). ...
/n/nahari.htm - 7k

What is an armor-bearer? Should there be a church position of armor-bearer? | GotQuestions.org

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

Who was Jonathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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