Helmet: Figurative
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In biblical literature, the helmet is often used as a metaphorical symbol representing protection, salvation, and the assurance of God's deliverance. The imagery of a helmet is primarily found in the context of spiritual warfare, where it signifies the believer's defense against spiritual adversaries.

Old Testament Context

While the Old Testament does not explicitly use the helmet in a figurative sense, the concept of God as a protector and deliverer is prevalent. For instance, in passages like Psalm 140:7, the psalmist declares, "O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle." Here, the protection of the head in battle can be seen as a metaphor for divine safeguarding and deliverance.

New Testament Context

The Apostle Paul employs the metaphor of the helmet in his epistles, particularly in the context of the "armor of God." In Ephesians 6:17, Paul instructs believers to "take the helmet of salvation," emphasizing the importance of salvation as a protective measure against spiritual threats. The helmet of salvation serves as a symbol of the assurance and security that comes from being saved through faith in Jesus Christ. It represents the believer's confidence in their eternal destiny and the protection of their mind against doubt and deception.

Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Paul writes, "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of the hope of salvation." Here, the helmet is associated with the hope of salvation, underscoring the forward-looking aspect of Christian faith. This hope acts as a safeguard for the believer's mind, encouraging perseverance and steadfastness in the face of trials.

Theological Implications

The figurative use of the helmet in Scripture highlights the importance of mental and spiritual fortitude in the Christian life. It underscores the necessity of a secure and assured mind, grounded in the knowledge of salvation through Christ. The helmet of salvation is not merely a defensive tool but also a source of confidence and hope, enabling believers to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy.

In the broader theological context, the helmet signifies the transformative power of salvation, which renews the mind and equips the believer for spiritual battles. It is a reminder of the ultimate victory secured through Christ's redemptive work, offering believers both protection and assurance as they navigate the challenges of the Christian journey.
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Isaiah 59:17
For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation on his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak.
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Ephesians 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
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1 Thessalonians 5:8
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
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Library

Figurative Style of Certain Messianic Prophecies in the Psalms ...
... able to quench all the fiery darts of the devil, and the helmet of salvation ... Creator's
Christ in the psalm too may have been girded with the figurative sword of ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xiv figurative style of certain.htm

We Give Offence by Proclaiming that There is one God...
... an antithetic proposition, thou, in a sort of indirect and figurative way, reproachest
man ... adorning the brazen image of Juno, arraying the helmet of Minerva ...
/.../tertullian/the souls testimony/chapter ii we give offence.htm

Notes
... His fair hair, which was long and thick, was gathered up on his head in seven tresses,
like a helmet, and the ... The life of Samson is figurative and prophetic.'. ...
/.../emmerich/the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/notes.htm

And ii.
... take into account the common practice of employing "mountain" in a figurative sense,
it ... Pg 458] the hired troops of the Tyrians, "Shield and helmet they hanged ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... ALLEGORICAL, FIGURATIVE, AND SYMBOLICAL. ... Set down my name, Sir":[40] the which when
he had done, he saw the man draw his sword, and put an helmet upon his head ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Resources
What is the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the full armor of God? | GotQuestions.org

What is the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.org

Helmet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Helmet: A Defensive Head-Gear Worn by Soldiers
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