THE ARMOR OF GOD

EPHESIANS 6:1–11

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes

(Ephesians 6:11).

Just as the old Israel existed to be a priest to the nations, so the new Israel (the church) exists for the purpose of mission to the world. Paul has not completed his argument in Ephesians until he makes the point that the new community of those united to Christ must move out and engage the world with the Good News.

Paul warns us against thinking that our real enemies are other human beings. Vicious and vile as the Hitlers and Stalins of this world are, they are not the forces we are primarily called to fight. Rather, says Paul, there are fallen angelic majesties allied with Satan, their leader, who are our true enemies. In the old covenant, Israel fought with the sword against men; but now in the new, we join Christ in warring against Satan and his legions (compare Romans 16:20).

Paul says that God has made available the armor we need to wear when we go forth as members of His heavenly host. This armor is a combination of military gear with the garments of the high priest of Israel. By combining these images, Paul shows us that our most important form of warfare is prayer.

Thus, the belt of truth points back to the Messiah’s belt of righteousness and sash of faithfulness in Isaiah 11:5, but beyond that it may go back to the sash of holiness worn by the high priest (Exodus 28:4, 39).

The breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation refer to the “garments of vengeance” worn by the Righteous One in Isaiah 59:17. But far more important for our understanding is the breastplate and helmet worn by the high priest. The breastplate of the high priest included a pouch containing two stones. Scholars tell us to associate this pouch and its two stones with the two tablets of the law kept in the ark of the covenant. The priest thus carried the law of God on his heart at all times. He also wore a helmet of gold on which was ascribed the words “Holy to the Lord” (Exodus 28:15–30, 36–38).

The priest did not wear shoes in the temple because it was holy ground. As we are sent out of God’s house to spread the Gospel, however, we need shoes, and thus they are provided (Ephesians 6:15).

CORAM DEO

Psalms 62–64

Romans 1

WEEKEND

Psalms 65–69

Romans 2

Read Exodus 28 and meditate on how the garments of the high priest fitted him to conduct the holy war of prayer. Consider also how this armor has been given to you, and how you are to participate in the same great battle. Then read Ephesians 6:10–20 and see how Paul applies these symbols to the new covenant.

For further study: Psalm 93 • Isaiah 59:9–21