A habergeon is a type of ancient armor mentioned in the Bible, primarily used for protection in battle. The term "habergeon" is derived from the Old French word "haubergeon," which refers to a sleeveless coat of mail or a breastplate. In biblical times, it was an essential part of a soldier's defensive gear, designed to protect the wearer from enemy attacks, particularly from arrows and swords.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 28:32 : The habergeon is first mentioned in the context of the priestly garments. The description of the ephod, a sacred vestment worn by the high priest, includes a reference to a woven piece of armor: "There shall be an opening at the top in the center of it. Around this opening there shall be a woven collar, like an opening in a garment, so that it will not tear." While the term "habergeon" is not directly used in this verse in the BSB, the concept of protective weaving is present.

2. 2 Chronicles 26:14 : The habergeon is mentioned in the context of King Uzziah's military preparations: "Uzziah supplied the entire army with shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows, and slingstones." Here, "armor" can be understood to include habergeons, as they were a common form of body armor during this period.

3. Nehemiah 4:16 : In the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah organized the workers with protective gear: "From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows, and armor." Again, the term "armor" likely encompasses habergeons, highlighting their role in defense and protection.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient warfare, the habergeon was a crucial component of a soldier's armor. It was typically made of interlinked metal rings or scales, providing flexibility and mobility while offering substantial protection. The design allowed for ease of movement, which was essential in combat situations. The habergeon was often worn over a tunic and under a larger coat of mail or a breastplate, providing an additional layer of defense.

The use of habergeons reflects the broader biblical theme of preparation and protection, both physically and spiritually. Just as soldiers equipped themselves with physical armor, believers are encouraged to equip themselves with spiritual armor, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.

Symbolic Significance:

In a spiritual sense, the habergeon can be seen as a symbol of God's protection and provision for His people. Just as the habergeon protected ancient warriors in battle, believers are called to trust in God's protection in their spiritual battles. The imagery of armor in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for the divine protection and strength that God provides to those who follow Him.

The habergeon, therefore, is not only a historical artifact but also a symbol of the enduring theme of divine protection and the importance of being prepared for the challenges of life, both physical and spiritual.

Discouragements and Courage
... that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held
both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/discouragements and courage.htm

The Builders on the Wall
... time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half
of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons. . ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 53 the builders on.htm

The Two Guards, Praying and Watching
... that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held
both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the two guards praying and.htm

Habergeons (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Habergeons (2 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 26:14
And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields ...
/h/habergeons.htm - 7k

Habergeon (3 Occurrences)

/h/habergeon.htm - 8k

Coat (54 Occurrences)
... 17:5, 38). The same word in the plural form is translated "habergeons"
in 2 Chronicles 26:14 and Nehemiah 4:16. The "harness" (1 ...
/c/coat.htm - 25k

Armor (53 Occurrences)
... and defensive of the Philistine Goliath (1 Samuel 17:5-7); and from a much later
time we read of shields and spears and helmets and habergeons, or coats of mail ...
/a/armor.htm - 41k

Arms (166 Occurrences)
... and defensive of the Philistine Goliath (1 Samuel 17:5-7); and from a much later
time we read of shields and spears and helmets and habergeons, or coats of mail ...
/a/arms.htm - 56k

Slings (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 26:14 And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields,
and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones. ...
/s/slings.htm - 7k

Habiliments (2 Occurrences)

/h/habiliments.htm - 7k

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