THEOSISBeda Venerabilis
The armor worn by David represents the teachers of the law, while the weapons and arrows of the Philistines symbolize the deceptions of the wicked. Conversely, the armor of Israel is to be understood as the teachings of doctrine, which were meant to strengthen God's people against all imminent threats. When Saul found himself gravely wounded by the arrows, he chose to have his armor-bearer kill him with his sword rather than be struck down by the uncircumcised. This reflects how the kings of the Jews, even in their final moments, preferred to succumb to their own transgressions, influenced by the guidance of their legal experts who artfully evaded the commands of the law and taught them to do the same.
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They were reluctant to risk polluting themselves through associations with those they deemed impure and wicked. The Pharisees were so apprehensive that they avoided entering the residence of the governor; they did not step into the praetorium for fear of becoming ceremonially unclean, so they could partake in the Passover (John 18:28). Ultimately, the Passover led to their own downfall, as they did not hesitate to stain it with the blood of the Innocent.