Armor of God in the Old Testament

The Armor of God in the Old Testament

Who is Our Enemy?

Usually when we refer to the armor of God, Christians are talking about the spiritual armor that Paul describes in Ephesians 6.

But did you know that the armor of God is also referenced in the Old Testament?

We know that we do not fight flesh and blood. For Christians the battle is in the spiritual arena. Tools of the flesh have no power in the spiritual battles that we face. This is why God has given us armor to put on—to fight in the strength and power of the Lord. We need this armor to come against the enemy who actively roams the earth seeking to kill and destroy us.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds…(2 Corinthians 10:3-4)

Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his device. (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

Ephesians 6 prompts Christians to put on the Armor of God to fight the enemy’s attacks.

“ Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..” (Ephesians 6:11-17)

Although the Armor of God is outlined in Paul’s New Testament teachings, the Old Testament also includes key passages that highlight God’s protection, righteousness, and the salvation He provides in the spiritual battels that believers will face.

Belt of Truth (Ephesians 6:14)

God’s righteousness and truth are central to His defense of His people. We read in Isaiah 11:5, “Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist,”.

Breastplate of Righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)

God’s Righteousness is a vital part of the armor. We read in Isaiah 59:17, “For He put on righteousness as a breastplate,”

Feet Shod with the Gospel of Peace (Ephesians 6:15)

The prophet Isaiah brought a message of good news of peace and salvation to the people of Jerusalem. In this passage “feet” symbolized the act of traveling and delivering the message. Our feet symbolize our actions and direction we go in.

How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news,
who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7)

Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16)

“But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.” (Psalm 3:3) This verse shows us that God is our shield and protector, guarding us against the attacks from the enemy. God’s shield of faith strengthens us and enables us to stand firm in our faith. God is the sole source of strength and will help us endure and overcome the trials we face.

Psalm 18:2 further illustrates God as our refuge, protector, and strength, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Helmet of Salvation (Ephesians 6:17)

The helmet of salvation is meant to protect our head, guard our mind, and keep our thoughts aligned with God’s Word. The prophet Isaiah had confidence and hope in God and his deliverance and salvation.

…And a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. (Isaiah 59:17)

Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17)

Psalm 149:6 describes a two-edged sword that can both praise God and bring judgment. When we are in a spiritual battle speaking God’s word is a way to declare His glory, might, and power. It is a mighty weapon against the enemy cutting down lies and bringing light and truth to the situation.

And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me.” (Isaiah 49:2)

Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand…(Psalm 148:6)

Putting on the Armor

When Saul put the armor on David I Samuel 17:38-39 tells us, “He put a bronze helmet on his head; he also clothed him with a coat of mail. David fastened his sword to his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. And David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these, for I have not tested them.” So David took them off.” David rejected the armor that Saul offered and instead choose to rely on God’s protection as he faced Goliath in battle.

Just as David chose to rely on God’s strength rather than physical armor, we too are called to depend on God for the spiritual battles we will fight. Believers must look to God to equip them with the armor we need to provide us the power and strength necessary to overcome the spiritual battles we fight. We cannot rely on our own strength or abilities.

Think about how our spiritual weapons protect us in these ways:

Belt of Truth = Guards against deception and lies.
Breastplate of Righteousness = Protects our heart.
Feet Shod with Gospel of Peace = To boldly proclaim the gospel and salvation of Christ.
Shield of Faith = Strengthens us to stand strong in the faith.
Helmet of Salvation = Guards or minds, keeping our thoughts center on God.
Sword of the Spirit = Word of God, both in our hearts and minds and boldly spoken in spiritual battles

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