A corselet, in biblical terms, refers to a piece of armor that covers the body, particularly the torso, providing protection during battle. This piece of armor is often mentioned in the context of ancient warfare and is synonymous with what is sometimes called a breastplate. The corselet was typically made of metal, such as bronze or iron, and was designed to shield the wearer from arrows, swords, and other weapons.

Biblical References:

The concept of body armor, including the corselet, is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, illustrating its importance in the military practices of ancient times. One notable reference is found in the account of Goliath, the Philistine giant, who wore a formidable set of armor. In 1 Samuel 17:5 , it is described: "He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels." This "coat of scale armor" can be understood as a type of corselet, emphasizing the heavy and protective nature of the garment.

Another reference to armor, which would include the corselet, is found in the description of the armor of a soldier in the Roman army. In Ephesians 6:14 , the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of armor to describe spiritual readiness: "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." Here, the "breastplate of righteousness" metaphorically represents the corselet, symbolizing the protection that righteousness provides to the believer.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, the corselet was an essential component of a warrior's gear. It was often crafted from overlapping metal scales or plates, which were sewn onto a fabric or leather backing. This design allowed for flexibility while maintaining a high level of protection. The use of such armor was not limited to Israel but was common among various cultures, including the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Greeks.

The corselet's significance extended beyond mere physical protection; it also served as a symbol of strength and preparedness. Warriors equipped with such armor were seen as formidable opponents, ready to face the challenges of battle. This symbolism is echoed in the spiritual metaphor used by Paul, where the corselet represents the moral and spiritual fortitude required to withstand the trials of life.

Theological Implications:

The imagery of the corselet in the Bible carries profound theological implications. It serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual armor in the life of a believer. Just as a physical corselet protects a soldier in battle, the spiritual armor of God protects Christians from the attacks of the enemy. The "breastplate of righteousness" signifies the importance of living a life aligned with God's standards, providing a defense against spiritual adversities.

In summary, the corselet, as depicted in the Bible, is a vital piece of armor that illustrates both the physical and spiritual preparedness necessary for facing life's battles. Its presence in Scripture underscores the importance of protection, strength, and righteousness in the life of a believer.1. (n.) Armor for the body, as, the body breastplate and backpiece taken together; -- also, used for the entire suit of the day, including breastplate and backpiece, tasset and headpiece.

2. (n.) The thorax of an insect.

8473. tachra -- a corselet
... 8472, 8473. tachra. 8474 . a corselet. Transliteration: tachra Phonetic
Spelling: (takh-ar-aw') Short Definition: mail. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/8473.htm - 6k

The Adventures of Saint James of Spain.
... The country had been terribly overrun with wild beasts, and the Knight heard it
proclaimed that the Shah would give a corselet of finest steel, inlaid with gold ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter six the adventures of.htm

Saint George Releases the Six Champions.
... Choosing out the strongest corselet, Sabrina buckled it on his breast; she laced
on his helmet, and completely clothed him in glittering steel. ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter two saint george releases.htm

John iii. 31
... For let us suppose there to be a strong corselet, and helm, and shield, and spear;
and let one take this armor and put the corselet upon his feet, the helmet ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxx john iii 31.htm

Prayer and vigilance
... him of his guerdon. He knew he must never quit his armour, but lie down
to rest, with his corselet laced. The stains that marred ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xi prayer and vigilance.htm

It was the Fifth Anniversary of that Resolution of the Senate ...
... There Augustus bought many gifts for the young man"new arms, a beautiful corselet,
a girdle of the look of knitted gold"for the Roman wore a girdle in Judea ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 9 it was the.htm

The Adventures of Saint Andrew of Scotland.
... to flight. The third knight who entered wore a black corselet, and his
huge war-horse was covered with a veil of sable silk. In ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter eight the adventures of.htm

Arria and Her Brother were Far from the Shores of Hellas and Near ...
... "It would have done no harm," Appius replied. "I have a corselet under my
tunic. Is the ship still leaking?". "A little, good sire. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 21 arria and her.htm

The Secret of Power
... in all subordinate matters, let us remember that they all without faith are weak,
as an empty suit of armour with no life beneath the corselet; and that faith ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the secret of power.htm

The Iranian Conquest
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Corselet (2 Occurrences)
...Corselet (2 Occurrences). ... (DBY). 1 Samuel 17:38 And Saul clothed David with his dress,
and put a helmet of bronze upon his head, and clothed him with a corselet. ...
/c/corselet.htm - 7k

Mail (11 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Mail, Coat of. "a corselet of scales," a cuirass formed
of pieces of metal overlapping each other, like fish-scales (1 Samuel 17:5 ...
/m/mail.htm - 11k

Armour (32 Occurrences)
... 27:10; 1 Samuel 17:38), a covering for the head; the coat of mail or corselet (1
Samuel 17:5), or habergeon (Nehemiah 4;16), harness or breat-plate (Revelation ...
/a/armour.htm - 20k

Scales (33 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:5 And he had a helmet of bronze upon his head, and he was clothed with
a corselet of scales; and the weight of the corselet was five thousand ...
/s/scales.htm - 18k

Bronze (146 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:5 And he had a helmet of bronze upon his head, and he was clothed with
a corselet of scales; and the weight of the corselet was five thousand ...
/b/bronze.htm - 37k

Cors (6 Occurrences)

/c/cors.htm - 8k

Scale (38 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Samuel 17:5 And he had a helmet of bronze upon his head, and he was clothed
with a corselet of scales; and the weight of the corselet was five thousand ...
/s/scale.htm - 22k

Clothed (153 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Samuel 17:5 And he had a helmet of bronze upon his head, and he was clothed
with a corselet of scales; and the weight of the corselet was five thousand ...
/c/clothed.htm - 37k

Corselets (1 Occurrence)

/c/corselets.htm - 6k

Corselet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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