Forgive the long title this morning. Actually it should be little bit longer! Paul might have been drawing from several Old Testament Texts in building his great martial (Christian soldier) Word Picture!
To be “girded” in Bible parlance means “to be wrapped around” with something, clothing. Like a belt, for example.
Paul thus asks us to be “encircled” with Truth as we fight the devil and his forces of evil. But in Psalm 93:1 we find God Himself “girded!”
“The LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself.” Psalm 93:1 (Paul began his Ephesians 6 Paragraph discussing “power,” the very Power of God! “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Three different Greek word stems for “power!” They are “dunamis, kratos” and then “ischus!”)
So what Paul simply teaches us, the Psalmist here turns into Poetry! God wearing His Power!
Here’s another “Idea” …
Paul (still in Ephesians 6) talks about the warrior’s boots, his combat boots! “Having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Listen to Isaiah now … “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace.” These two Preachers sound a lot alike, right?
Then “This” too …
Our dear Lord, a “Man of War” according to Exodus 15:3 … “Put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.” Quoting now Isaiah 59:17.
Wow!
Sounds much like Paul’s familiar “breastplate” and “helmet” and other battle gear! Do remember, Paul was an Old Testament scholar.
All I am saying this morning is that (even though Ephesians is a “Prison Epistle” and the Apostle was chained to a Roman soldier who was doubling as a guard) Paul well may have drawn his Inspiration for the “Whole Armour of God” scenario from (not his heathen surroundings) his Old Testament Scrolls!
I am thrilled!
God is our Model, the Prototypical Soldier, the mighty Warrior!
Incidentally, the New Testament is INDEED largely build upon (and then an exposition of) the Jewish Bible, the Old Testament! (The Law, the Psalms and the Prophets!)
The Bible is NOT two Books, but One!
And it can be encapsulated with four Words … “Thus saith the Lord!”
Hallelujah!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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