Hebraic Musing – Is the NT “Armor of God” actually the OT “Priestly Garments”?
We are familiar
with the articles of the “Armor of God” in Ephesians 6 that we wear so we can “stand
against the devil's schemes… and stand against the spiritual forces of evil in
the heavenly realms.” Here is the
armor we are to put on. “Stand firm
then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate
of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the
readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield
of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the
evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword
of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in
the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
Ephesians 6:14-18 NIV The “Armor” Paul
described in the NT prepares us for going into battle. Were the OT Priests also preparing to do
battle with evil forces?
Back
in the OT God called for gifted artisans whom He “filled with the spirit of
wisdom” to make the “Priestly Garments” for Aaron and his sons to serve
Him. Let’s look each of these items in
Exodus 28:4. “These are the garments
they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe,
a woven tunic, a turban and a sash.
They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so
they may serve me as priests.”
What
might be the relationship of each of the OT “priestly garments” described in
Exodus 28 with each piece of NT “Armor” in Ephesians?
The OT Breastplate
of Righteousness had precious gems over his heart representing the 12 tribes.
The OT Helmet
of Salvation was a turban with a goldplate saying “Holy to the
Lord”, therefore set apart and belonging to the Father.
The Sword of
the Spirit is used to smite the enemy with God’s Word.
The Belt of
Truth, or Spirit of Truth, is what holds our garments together!
Feet need fitted
Footwear
so we can walk in a manner worthy of bearing His name. Priests tread on holy ground by taking the
good news of the peace of the gospel into all the world.
The Sheild
of Faith and the Armor of Light represents our faith that God, or
Jesus, stands between us and the enemy.
God doesn’t need military armor; in Scripture He is dressed as a Priest.
A Priest is
a minister who is given authority to teach the sacred information and perform
the sacred duties to preserve and bring others to that faith. Priests serve as representatives between the people
and a higher power, God. Priests serve
as intermediaries between the people and God.
In Revelation 19:12-15
Jesus is the warrior on a white horse coming to rule the nations. How is He dressed? “His eyes are like blazing fire,
and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no
one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood,
and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him,
riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.
Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the
nations.” Those sure sounds more
like priestly garments than trench warrior fatigues!
All “born again”
believers are priests, serving the go-between role between God and man; an
awesome responsibility!
Points to Ponder
Are
you wearing both OT and NT Armor?
What
are our heavenly weapons?
Do
we recognize your heavenly armor is priestly garments? And are we serving as priests?!?!
Would
donning priestly garments before we begin prayer change the way we view prayer?
Would we feel like we are prepared to enter the Tabernacle described in Exodus
30?
♫ In Heavenly armor
we will enter the land, the battle belongs to the Lord.
No weapon that is fashioned
against us shall stand. The battle
belongs to the Lord. ♫
Yosef a.k.a.
Joe Brusherd October
7, 2025
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages
exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)” Weekly “Hebraic Musings”
Note – Inspired by Carole Urbas’ “Warfare
Behind the Veil”; Ch.5 “Becoming the Holy
Priesthood”
