The coat of mail, also known as a breastplate or body armor, is a type of protective garment made of interlinked metal rings or plates, designed to shield the wearer from physical harm in battle. In biblical times, it was a crucial component of a warrior's attire, symbolizing strength and preparedness for conflict. The coat of mail is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, illustrating its significance in both historical and spiritual contexts.

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 appearance and strength of Goliath, highlighting the challenge David faced.

1 Samuel 17:38
Before David confronts Goliath, King Saul attempts to equip him with his own armor: "Then Saul clothed David in 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.

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

Job 41:26-27
In the description of Leviathan, a creature of immense strength and invulnerability, the text metaphorically references armor: "The sword that reaches him has no effect, nor does the spear or dart or arrow. He regards iron as straw and bronze as rotten wood." This imagery underscores the futility of human efforts against such a powerful being, drawing a parallel to the protective nature of armor.

Ephesians 6:14
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of armor to describe spiritual readiness: "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." Here, the "breastplate of righteousness" serves as a spiritual coat of mail, protecting believers in their spiritual battles.

The coat of mail, as depicted in these scriptures, serves as a symbol of physical and spiritual protection. It represents the preparedness and strength required to face adversaries, whether in physical combat or spiritual warfare. The biblical references to coats of mail highlight the importance of relying on God's strength and protection, rather than solely on human means.1 Samuel 17:5,38
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.
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1 Kings 22:34
And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: why he said to the driver of his chariot, Turn your hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
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2 Chronicles 18:33
And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn your hand, that you may carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
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The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... is so acceptable unto him, and concerning which it ... also is often intimated in the
Scriptures, where it ... But yet this is but general; wherefore, more particularly ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... not go from door to door but he must be clad in a coat of mail, a helmet ... They are
put, as you see, under this general term Israel; 'Let Israel hope in the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... In the third place, I wish to give some general counsels. ... And mail as he is, remember,
was so made by sin ... He regards no man's coat, or purse, or rank, or position ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... And thus much concerning Pliable. ... as conscientiously do them as he; therefore, said
they, we see not wherein thou differest from us, but by the coat that is on ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... that writeth Mr. Badman's life had need be fenced with a coat of mail, and with ... This
evil of cursing ariseth in general from the desperate wickedness of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

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