Topical Bible: Military Arms: Defensive: Called Armour

Bible > Topical > Military Arms

◄ Military Arms: Defensive: Called Armour ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the concept of armor was integral to the understanding of military defense. Armor, as described in the Scriptures, served as a protective covering for soldiers, safeguarding them against the weapons of their adversaries. The use of armor is frequently mentioned in the Bible, both in literal and metaphorical contexts, illustrating its importance in ancient warfare and spiritual symbolism.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides numerous accounts of armor used in battle. One of the most detailed descriptions is found in the account of David and Goliath. Goliath, the Philistine giant, is described as wearing a bronze helmet, a coat of scale armor, bronze greaves, and carrying a bronze javelin (1 Samuel 17:5-6). This depiction highlights the comprehensive nature of armor, covering the head, body, and legs, and providing a formidable defense.

King Saul also offered David his own armor before David faced Goliath, which included a bronze helmet and a coat of mail (1 Samuel 17:38). However, David chose not to wear it, as he was not accustomed to such equipment, opting instead for his sling and stones, trusting in the Lord for protection.

The armor of the Israelites often included helmets, shields, and coats of mail. Shields, in particular, are frequently mentioned, symbolizing protection and divine favor. In Psalm 18:2 , David declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of armor to describe the spiritual defenses available to believers. In Ephesians 6:10-17 , Paul exhorts Christians to "put on the full armor of God" to stand against the schemes of the devil. This passage outlines the various components of spiritual armor: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace as footwear, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

This metaphorical use of armor emphasizes the need for spiritual preparedness and reliance on God's strength. The "shield of faith" is particularly significant, as it is said to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16), underscoring the protective power of faith in the life of a believer.

Symbolism and Spiritual Application

Armor in the Bible is not only a physical defense but also a symbol of divine protection and strength. The imagery of God as a warrior who provides armor for His people is a recurring theme. In Isaiah 59:17 , God Himself is depicted as wearing righteousness as a breastplate and a helmet of salvation, illustrating His role as the ultimate protector and deliverer.

The concept of armor also serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle that believers face. The call to "put on the full armor of God" is an exhortation to live a life of faith, truth, righteousness, and readiness, relying on God's power to withstand spiritual challenges.

In summary, armor in the biblical context represents both the physical protection used in ancient warfare and the spiritual defenses available to believers. It serves as a powerful metaphor for God's provision and the believer's call to stand firm in faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 11:22
But when a stronger than he shall come on him, and overcome him, he takes from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divides his spoils.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sack of Rome
... Upon their horses, caparisoned in defensive armour, they looked like ... The military
show poured into the Forum, swept ... behind the walls, unused to arms, and still ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the sack of rome.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of David and his men, without being called to account ... Xth century BC The Philistine
arms are described ... Egyptians, who were unrivalled in military operations at ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

A Discourse
... nothing but armour, and men at arms, to maintain ... so it was accoutered with such military
materials as ... makes with Antichrist is rather defensive than offensive. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... apostles made use of, and all good Christians ought to do; yea, so far hath truth
prevailed by the purity of its followers, that if one that is called a Quaker ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The First Theban Empire
... recruited partly from the domains of military fiefs, partly ... I loosened my poignard,
I furbished my arms. ... connexion was to remain strictly on the defensive. ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... and queens: they brandished their arms, displayed the ... the convention, more commercial
than military, with which ... content, into an offensive and defensive treaty ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... It is called, in an ... Budilu carried his arms against these tribes, and obtained successes
over ... a purely Assyrian term used to designate the military confines or ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... regularity to prevent any important military expedition against ... He had first to carry
his arms to the ... in the north, carrying on short defensive campaigns among ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm