“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.” Ephesians 6:10-18a ESV

Today’s post is part two in a series about the Armor of God. Click here to read last week’s post.

Breastplate of Righteousness

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness . . . “

Ephesians 6:14 ESV

A breastplate is “a piece of metal that covers a person’s chest and that was part of the protective clothing (called armor) that soldiers wore in the past” (The Britannica Dictionary).

In Judaism, a breastplate was also “a square, richly embroidered vestment ornamented with 12 precious stones, each inscribed with the name of one of the 12 tribes of Israel, secured to the ephod of the high priest and worn on the chest” (Dictionary.com).

Exodus 28:15-28 describes this breastplate worn by priests as being detailed and made of fine materials. God also gave specific directions for when it was to be worn:

“Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart on the breastpiece of decision as a continuing memorial before the Lord. Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the Lord. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord.” Exodus 28:29-30 ESV

The NIV translation refers to the priestly breastplate as “a breastpiece for making decisions” (Exodus 28:15 NIV). Urim and Thummim were stones carried on the breastplate: Urim represents light and Thummim represents God’s perfection.

So, a breastplate was worn for protection, but also worn in reverence. It was worn by soldiers, but also worn by priests.  

It’s meant to protect my heart.

Protect my heart from:

• Lies of the evil one (Psalm 91:1-3 ESV; 1 John 5:17-19 ESV)

• Worshipping idols (Leviticus 19:4 ESV)

• Turning from God (1 Kings 8:60-62 ESV)

And when I put on the Belt of Truth as the foundation of my armor, I am assured that God will, in fact, protect me from these things.

But wait, there’s more!

The breastplate is also mentioned in reference to:

• God’s judgment and the fulfillment of His covenant through a Redeemer: Isaiah 59:14-20 NIV
• Faith and love: “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. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 NIV

So when I put on my belt of truth, and then my breastplate of righteousness, I’m trusting that my faith in God and love of God will protect my heart.

Wow, God is awesome!

What does your heart need protection from?

“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness . . . ” Ephesians 6:14 ESV