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What was the job description of an armor bearer?

tonychanyt

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Near the end of David’s list of mighty men in 2 Samuel 23:

37 Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,
What exactly did an armor-bearer do? How could he be a mighty man at the same time?

The role of an armor-bearer was both practical and prestigious.

The primary duty of an armor-bearer was to carry the weapons, armor, and other equipment of the warrior they served. This included shields, swords, spears, and any other necessary gear.

Armor-bearers often acted as personal attendants to their commanders, ensuring they were prepared for battle and managing their equipment. They had a mutual trust relationship.

During combat, the armor-bearer would assist the warrior by providing weapons, replacing broken or lost equipment, and even fighting alongside them.

Jonathan’s armor bearer fought alongside him (1S 14:13). Saul asked his armor-bearer to kill him (1S 31:4).

An armor-bearer was much more than a mere equipment carrier; they were trusted companions and skilled warriors who played an active role in battle. Naharai, as the armor-bearer of Joab, would have been a key figure in David’s army, combining the duties of a personal attendant with the bravery and skill of a mighty man. He was a fighter in his own right.