The term "habergeon" refers to a piece of defensive armor worn by soldiers in ancient times, particularly during the biblical era. This piece of armor is often associated with a coat of mail or a breastplate, designed to protect the wearer from enemy attacks, especially in battle. The habergeon is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, highlighting its significance in the context of warfare and spiritual metaphor.

In the Old Testament, the habergeon is referenced in descriptions of the priestly garments and the armor of warriors. One notable mention is found in Exodus 28:32, where the construction of the priestly garments is detailed: "There shall be an opening at its top in the center, with a woven collar around the opening, like an opening in a garment, so that it will not tear." This passage, while not directly naming the habergeon, describes a garment with protective qualities, akin to the function of a habergeon.

The habergeon is also mentioned in 2 Chronicles 26:14, in the context of King Uzziah's military preparations: "Uzziah provided shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows, and slingstones for the entire army." Here, the term "armor" is understood to include various protective gear, potentially encompassing the habergeon as part of the soldier's defensive equipment.

In the spiritual sense, the habergeon can be seen as a symbol of God's protection and the believer's preparedness for spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 6:14, speaks of the "breastplate of righteousness" as part of the full armor of God: "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." While the term "habergeon" is not used in this New Testament passage, the concept of a protective breastplate aligns with the function of a habergeon, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and faith as spiritual defenses.

The habergeon, therefore, serves as both a literal piece of ancient military equipment and a metaphorical representation of spiritual readiness and divine protection. Its presence in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of being equipped, both physically and spiritually, to face the challenges and adversities of life.Exodus 28:32
And there shall be an hole in the top of it, in the middle thereof: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of an habergeon, that it be not rent.
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Exodus 39:23
And there was an hole in the middle of the robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band round about the hole, that it should not rend.
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