Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient world, military defense was as crucial as offensive weaponry, and the Bible provides several references to defensive armor used by warriors. Among these, the coat of mail, breastplate, habergeon, and brigandine are notable for their protective qualities.Coat of Mail The coat of mail, often referred to as a "mail shirt," was a type of armor made from interlocking metal rings or scales. This form of protection was designed to cover the torso and sometimes extended to the arms and legs, providing flexibility and defense against slashing weapons. In 1 Samuel 17:5, Goliath is described as wearing a coat of mail: "He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels." This description highlights the formidable nature of such armor, emphasizing its weight and the protection it offered to the wearer. Breastplate The breastplate was a piece of armor that covered the chest, protecting the heart and other vital organs. It is frequently mentioned in the context of spiritual armor in the New Testament, symbolizing righteousness and faith. In the Old Testament, the breastplate is part of the high priest's sacred garments, as described in Exodus 28:15: "You are to make a breastpiece for making decisions, the work of skilled hands. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen." While this breastplate served a ceremonial purpose, the concept of a protective breastplate was well understood in the context of military defense. Habergeon The habergeon, similar to the coat of mail, was a sleeveless coat of armor that extended to the knees. It is mentioned in the context of the priestly garments in Exodus 28:32, where it is described as having an opening for the head, reinforced to prevent tearing. The habergeon provided substantial protection while allowing for greater mobility than a full coat of mail. In 2 Chronicles 26:14, King Uzziah's military preparations include habergeons, indicating their use in equipping soldiers for battle. Brigandine The brigandine, though not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, is a type of body armor that evolved from earlier forms like the coat of mail and habergeon. It consisted of small metal plates sewn onto a fabric or leather garment, offering both flexibility and protection. While the term "brigandine" itself does not appear in biblical texts, the concept aligns with the descriptions of layered armor used by ancient warriors. These defensive armaments were essential for survival in the warfare of biblical times, providing protection against the weapons of the enemy. They also serve as powerful metaphors in Scripture, illustrating spiritual truths about the protection and righteousness provided by God to His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 17:5,38And he had an helmet of brass on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 28:32 Jeremiah 46:4 Revelation 9:9 Resources What can we learn from the tribe of Joseph? | GotQuestions.orgHow many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the history of crucifixion? What was crucifixion like? | GotQuestions.org Arms: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Military Arms for Sieges: Battering Rams Military Arms for Sieges: Engines for Casting Stones Military Arms of Conquered Nations Taken Away to Prevent Rebellion Military Arms of the Vanquished: Sometime Burned Military Arms of the Vanquished: Sometimes Kept As Trophies Military Arms of the Vanquished: Taken off Them Military Arms were Provided by Individuals Themselves Military Arms were Provided: from the Public Arsenals Military Arms: Armouries Built For Military Arms: Before Using: Anointed Military Arms: Before Using: Burnished Military Arms: Before Using: Tried and Proved Military Arms: Defensive: Buckler Military Arms: Defensive: Called Armour Military Arms: Defensive: Called Harness Military Arms: Defensive: Coat of Mail, Breastplate, Habergeon, or Brigandine Military Arms: Defensive: Girdle Military Arms: Defensive: Greaves Military Arms: Defensive: Helmet Military Arms: Defensive: Shield Military Arms: Defensive: Target Military Arms: Great Stores of, Prepared Military Arms: Hung of the Walls of Cities Military Arms: Inferior to Wisdom Military Arms: Judgments of God Military Arms: Made of Iron, Steel, or Brass Military Arms: Not Worn in Ordinary Times Military Arms: Offensive: Battle-Axe Military Arms: Offensive: Bow and Arrows Military Arms: Offensive: Called Instruments of Death Military Arms: Offensive: Called Instruments of War Military Arms: Offensive: Called Weapons of War Military Arms: Offensive: Dagger Military Arms: Offensive: Dart or Javelin Military Arms: Offensive: Hand Staff Military Arms: Offensive: Sling Military Arms: Offensive: Spear or Lance Military Arms: Offensive: Sword Military Arms: Offensive: Two-Edged Sword Military Arms: Often Given As Presents Military Arms: Part of, Borne by Armour-Bearers Military Arms: Put on at the First Alarm Military Arms: Spiritual Armour Military Arms: Spiritual Weapons Related Terms |