Summary
A form of protective armor consisting of metal scales or rings attached to a garment, worn by warriors in ancient warfare.
☩Construction
Mail armor was composed of plates or scales of metal attached to a bodice like fish scales, making it impervious to the sword. The Hebrew term kashkesheth means 'scale,' as of fish (Leviticus 11:9), and is applied to this scale-armor (Deuteronomy 24:6). The term shiryon refers to the corselet or garment thus encased (1 Samuel 17:38). Sometimes metallic rings were employed instead of scales.
☩Goliath's Armor
The Philistine champion Goliath wore a coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels of brass (1 Samuel 17:5)—approximately 125 pounds. This impressive armor, along with his helmet, greaves, and massive spear, made him appear invincible. Yet young David, refusing Saul's armor and trusting in the Lord, defeated him with a simple sling and stone.
☩Postal System
The term 'mail' also refers to correspondence carried by courier. The Persian postal system appears in Esther, where royal decrees were sent by couriers throughout the empire (Esther 3:13; 8:10). These mounted messengers carried official correspondence with remarkable speed across the vast Persian domains.
