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.Coat of Mail

COAT OF MAIL

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See ARMOR, ARMS; BRIGANDINE.

8302. shiryon -- body armor
... breastplate, coat of mail, habergeon, harness. Or shiryon {shir-yone'}; and
shiryan {shir- yawn'}; also (feminine) shiryah {shir-yaw ...
/hebrew/8302.htm - 6k

7193. qasqeseth -- scale (of fish)
... By reduplication from an unused root meaning to shale off as bark; a scale (of a
fish); hence a coat of mail (as composed of or covered with jointed plates of ...
/hebrew/7193.htm - 6k

8473. tachra -- a corselet
... Definition: mail. Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a corselet
NASB Word Usage coat of mail (2). Tahpenes. From charah ...
/hebrew/8473.htm - 6k

5630. siryon -- armor
... armor (2). brigandine. For shiryown; a coat of mail -- brigandine. see HEBREW
shiryown. 5629, 5630. siryon. 5631 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5630.htm - 6k

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 a coat of mail. And David fastened ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/davids victory over the giant.htm

A Successful Man of Affairs.
... anchor."OW Holmes. He that respects himself is safe from others; He wears
a coat of mail that none can pierce. It is more important ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study vii a successful man.htm

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 the coat of mail of human ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/preface.htm

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 the coat of mail, from silence ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad martyras/chapter iii grant now o.htm

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 a coat of mail. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xiv paul and his praying.htm

What Happened Before the Crucifixion.
... boldness. I will put thee on My coat of mail, for My entire Passion must
thou suffer over again according to thy strength. Make ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter ii what happened before.htm

Christian Asceticism
... We can gird it on, and if we do, it will be as an impenetrable coat-of-mail, which
will turn the sharpest arrows and resist the fiercest sword-cuts. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/christian asceticism.htm

Saul's Armor. 1Sam 17:38-40
... So Saul advised David. He certainly would fail; Nor could his life be saved. Without
a coat of mail. But David, though he yielded. To put the armor on,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 28 sauls armor 1sam.htm

April the Twenty-Sixth Goliath Versus God!
... He had splendid military equipment. "A helmet of brass," and "a coat of mail," and
"a spear like a weaver's beam!" Surely, if fine material equipment ...
/.../april the twenty-sixth goliath versus.htm

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 impenetrable coat of mail and a strong shield. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter x of the method.htm

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