Saul liked him very much and David became one of his armor bearers. –1 Samuel 16: 22b
In biblical days, a squire was someone who actually wore their leader’s shield and armor when he went into battle, often acting as his personal assistant. For example, King Saul was assigned several squires.1 In our modern age, I don’t see anyone walking around fully clothed in the classical armor of the early centuries.
However, in the spiritual realm, we still need our armor. The writer of Ephesians commands us to put on the full armor of God so that we can take our stand against the devil’s plans.2 Like our counterparts at the turn of the century, we in the ministry of service must put on the Armor of the Spirit and they wear the armor of God’s leaders in the battle of faith.
The term armor bearer it was originally translated from the Hebrew word nasa, which means to lift, support, or simply help figuratively or literally.3 Bible translators have sometimes translated the word “help,” from the Hebrew word nasa. In light of these defining terms, we can see that an armor bearer is one who aids or supports the arms of an assigned leader during times of battle.
A squire today is someone called by God to serve and assist his assigned leader in life, ministry, and especially in the fight of faith.4 In essence, a squire is called to tend, minister, care, help , be to use, assist, benefit, promote, support, facilitate, nurture and encourage your leader.
Furthermore, God calls others to walk in the spirit of wearing armor. They may not be specifically assigned to a leader, but they do possess the mindset and attitude of an armor bearer. The attitude of a squire is one of service. The mindset of an armor bearer, as well as those who operate in one’s spirit, is to do whatever it takes to serve and support their leadership.5 Operating in the spirit of armor bearers can also be described as operating in the principles or dominating qualities of a wearer of armor. The qualities that top the list are service, commitment, care, support, helpfulness, loyalty, and faithfulness.
Wearing armor in the attitude of service is not only the performance of humble tasks, but an effort to serve Christ in the Kingdom of God. Jesus said, “The servant of all is the greatest of all.” Among my favorite examples are the great men of the Old Testament scriptures, many of whom were faithful armor bearers prior to their public ministry. King David, King David’s mighty men, Elisha and Joshua exemplified the armored spirit in excellence. Even Elisha’s assistant Gehazi offers us an example of what we don’t want to do as squires.
One need not think that our Father God only called squires or helpers to help in ancient battles. Look at the New Testament Joseph of Cyprus, nicknamed “Barnabas” or “Son of encouragement.” The most popular opinion is that Joseph of Cyprus earned these names because he constantly encouraged those to whom he and Paul ministered. Recently, I have considered another thought on why he was called “Son of encouragement.” Perhaps it was because he persevered by Paul’s side through shipwrecks, stoning, and much rejection.
Don’t overlook Stephen and Philip among the seven appointed to serve the tables of the feeding program of the apostles of the early church. The leaders assigned them to help as their apostles focused more on prayer and the ministry of the Word. Throughout the Bible and today, God is still calling helpers and squires to lift up the arms of our Church leadership.
To operate in the spirit of wearing armor is to fulfill a ministry of aid, vigilance and intercession on behalf of our leadership. I believe that God has issued a new call to serve and support our leaders in this way. Only He knows the spiritual effort and hard work that it will take to achieve His Church’s vision.
The Apostle Paul encouraged us to excel in the gifts that build up the Church. As we excel in the gift of service and in supporting our leaders in helping ministry, we will come to the unity of faith like never before. As each of us takes his place and we share the burden, our men and women in leadership will suffer less weariness and burnout, giving the opportunity for more refreshment from the Lord.
