In biblical times, the term "harness" referred to the defensive armor worn by soldiers to protect themselves in battle. This armor was an essential part of a warrior's equipment, designed to shield the body from the weapons of the enemy. The concept of harness as defensive armor is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, illustrating its importance in ancient warfare.

One of the notable references to harness is found in 1 Kings 22:34, where it describes the death of King Ahab: "But a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, 'Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am wounded.'" . Here, the term "armor" is synonymous with harness, indicating the protective gear worn by the king. Despite the protection offered by the harness, the arrow found a vulnerable spot, leading to Ahab's demise.

The use of harness is also evident in 2 Chronicles 18:33, which parallels the account in 1 Kings: "But a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, 'Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am wounded.'" . This repetition underscores the critical role of harness in battle, as well as the inherent risks faced by warriors despite their protective gear.

In the context of spiritual warfare, the Apostle Paul draws a parallel between physical armor and spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:11-17. While not directly using the term "harness," Paul emphasizes the need for believers to "put on the full armor of God" to stand against the schemes of the devil. This passage highlights the importance of spiritual preparedness and protection, akin to the physical protection provided by a harness in battle.

The harness, as a piece of defensive military equipment, symbolizes the broader theme of protection and preparedness in the biblical narrative. It serves as a reminder of the physical and spiritual battles faced by God's people and the necessity of being equipped to withstand the challenges posed by adversaries.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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Reaction against Egypt
... and queens: they brandished their arms, displayed the ... the convention, more commercial
than military, with which ... content, into an offensive and defensive treaty ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... It is called, in an ... Budilu carried his arms against these tribes, and obtained successes
over ... a purely Assyrian term used to designate the military confines or ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... in the number of its soldiers, in the military renown of ... ventured at last to take
up arms against the ... determined to remain entirely on the defensive, and not ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

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