Topical Bible: Breastplate: Armor for Soldiers

◄ Breastplate: Armor for Soldiers ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The breastplate, an essential component of ancient armor, served as a protective covering for the torso, safeguarding vital organs during combat. In biblical times, the breastplate was a crucial part of a soldier's gear, symbolizing strength and protection. The concept of the breastplate is mentioned in both literal and metaphorical contexts within the Scriptures, highlighting its significance in the physical and spiritual realms.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the breastplate is most notably associated with the High Priest's sacred garments. The "breastpiece of judgment" (Exodus 28:15) was an intricately designed piece worn by the High Priest, Aaron, as part of his ceremonial attire. This breastplate was made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, and it was adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. The breastplate served not only as a physical covering but also as a spiritual symbol of the High Priest's role in bearing the judgment and concerns of the Israelites before God.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul employs the imagery of the breastplate in his epistles to convey spiritual truths. In Ephesians 6:14, Paul exhorts believers to "stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place." Here, the breastplate represents righteousness, a divine protection that guards the believer's heart against the attacks of the enemy. This metaphorical use underscores the importance of living a life aligned with God's standards as a means of spiritual defense.

Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Paul writes, "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." In this passage, the breastplate is associated with faith and love, essential virtues that protect the believer's spiritual well-being and fortify them against the challenges of life.

Symbolism and Application

The breastplate, as depicted in the Bible, carries profound symbolic meaning. It represents not only physical protection but also spiritual readiness and moral integrity. For the Christian, the breastplate of righteousness signifies a life committed to God's truth and holiness, providing defense against spiritual adversaries. The emphasis on faith, love, and righteousness as components of the breastplate highlights the integral role these virtues play in the believer's spiritual armor.

In summary, the breastplate in biblical literature serves as a powerful metaphor for divine protection and moral fortitude. Whether in the context of the High Priest's ceremonial duties or the believer's spiritual warfare, the breastplate remains a timeless symbol of God's provision and the call to live a life of righteousness and faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 9:9,17
And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... went away, but still he spake to some of the soldiers that he ... with a sword, and with
a spear, and with a breastplate; but I have God for my armor in coming ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how the philistines.htm

The End
... your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness ...
That picture was drawn from the life, from the armor of the soldiers in his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter x the end.htm

How Titus Marched to Jerusalem, and How He was in Danger as He was ...
... father, and was then garrisoned by Roman soldiers; and when ... neither his head-piece
on, nor his breastplate, [for, as ... with our hands idle, and our armor laid by ...
/.../chapter 2 how titus marched.htm

That the Miseries Still Grew Worse; and How the Romans Made an ...
... 4] as had every one of the other soldiers, so when ... a very great noise, which was
made by his armor. ... as being covered with his helmet and his breastplate in all ...
/.../chapter 1 that the miseries.htm

Hebrews ii. 16-17
... ready mind; much more ought we, the soldiers of Christ ... We have need therefore of
a strong breastplate, so as to ... our feet too and our hands need armor, not these ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily v hebrews ii 16-17.htm

Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ...
... He prepared also a mighty army of soldiers and weapons ... the army of men that wore
their armor, was three ... and wounded the king through his breastplate, in his ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 concerning jehoshaphat the.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book vi.
... One does not need against these enemies breastplate or shield ... not possible ever to
lay aside one's armor, it is ... in such a case to command the soldiers of Christ ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 6.htm

The Church as She Should Be
... tribe being analogous to that of the precious stone for that tribe, in the breastplate
of the ... Ye soldiers of the cross! ... How does thine armor, glitt'ring bright ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm