An armorbearer in biblical times was a person who carried the armor and weapons of a warrior, typically a king or a high-ranking military officer. This role was not merely logistical but also held significant trust and responsibility, as the armorbearer was often a close and loyal companion to the one they served. The position required bravery, loyalty, and a readiness to assist in battle.

Biblical References:

1. Old Testament Examples:
· Saul and Jonathan: One of the most notable mentions of an armorbearer is in the context of King Saul and his son Jonathan. In 1 Samuel 14:6-7, Jonathan, the son of King Saul, speaks to his young armorbearer before attacking a Philistine outpost: "Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, 'Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.' His armorbearer replied, 'Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.'" . This passage highlights the armorbearer's role in supporting and encouraging his master, demonstrating loyalty and faith in God's deliverance.
· King Saul's Death: Another significant mention is during the death of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 31:4-5, Saul, wounded in battle, asks his armorbearer to kill him to avoid capture by the Philistines. The armorbearer, however, is too afraid to do so, leading Saul to take his own life. The armorbearer then follows suit: "Then Saul said to his armorbearer, 'Draw your sword and run me through with it, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!' But his armorbearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When his armorbearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him." . This tragic event underscores the deep bond and shared fate between a warrior and his armorbearer.

2. Role and Responsibilities:
· The armorbearer was responsible for carrying the weapons and armor, ensuring they were ready for battle. This included swords, shields, and other equipment necessary for warfare.
· Beyond logistical support, the armorbearer often served as a confidant and advisor, providing moral and emotional support to their master.
· In some instances, armorbearers were also involved in combat, fighting alongside their masters and protecting them from harm.

3. Symbolic and Spiritual Implications:
· The role of the armorbearer can be seen as a symbol of faithful service and dedication. Just as the armorbearer was committed to the warrior, believers are called to be committed to God and His purposes.
· The relationship between a warrior and his armorbearer reflects the importance of trust and loyalty in spiritual and communal relationships. It serves as a reminder of the support and encouragement believers are to provide one another in their spiritual battles.

In summary, the armorbearer was a vital role in ancient Israelite military structure, embodying qualities of loyalty, bravery, and service. The biblical accounts of armorbearers provide insight into the nature of companionship and the importance of faithfulness in both human and divine relationships.ARMOR-BEARER

ar'-mer-bar'-er (nose' keli; Greek uses a phrase, ho airon ta skeue, literally "the one carrying the armor"): One who carried the large shield and perhaps other weapons for a king (1 Samuel 31:4), commander-in-chief (2 Samuel 23:37), captain (1 Samuel 14:7) or champion (1 Samuel 17:7). All warriors of distinction had such an attendant. Rather than perish by the hand of a woman, Abimelech called upon his armor-bearer to give him the finishing stroke (Judges 9:54), and when King Saul's armor-bearer refused to do this office for him that he might not become the prisoner of the Philistines, he took a sword himself and fell upon it (1 Samuel 31:4). David became Saul's armor-bearer for a time, and Jonathan's armor-bearer was a man of resource and courage (1 Samuel 14:7). The shield-bearer was a figure well known in the chariots of Egypt and Assyria and the Hittites, his business being to protect his fighting companion during the engagement.

T. Nicol.

The Story of David, the Shepherd Boy
... Saul liked David so well that he made him his armorbearer; and David carried the
shield and spear, and sword for Saul, when the king was before his army. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of david the.htm

Armorbearer (11 Occurrences)
... the engagement. T. Nicol. Multi-Version Concordance Armorbearer (11 Occurrences).
Judges 9:54 Then he called hastily unto the young ...
/a/armorbearer.htm - 11k

Mock (43 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 31:4 Then said Saul to his armorbearer, Draw thy sword, and thrust me through
therewith, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and ...
/m/mock.htm - 23k

Armor-bearer (15 Occurrences)
Armor-bearer. Armorbearer, Armor-bearer. Armorbearers . Noah Webster's Dictionary ...
Armorbearer, Armor-bearer. Armorbearers . Reference Bible.
/a/armor-bearer.htm - 12k

Nahrai (1 Occurrence)
... Nahrai (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 11:39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite,
the armorbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, (See JPS). ...
/n/nahrai.htm - 6k

Armour-bearer (14 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:54 Then he called hastily unto the young man his armorbearer, and said
unto him, Draw thy sword, and kill me, that men say not of me, A woman slew him ...
/a/armour-bearer.htm - 11k

Armor (53 Occurrences)

/a/armor.htm - 41k

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

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