None of the Hebrew words translated “armor” refer definitely to what is understood now by armor worn on the person. Saul armed David with his “armor” (1 Sam. 17:38), but the word used is also translated “clothes,” and it may refer to Saul’s warrior-dress. The articles named are somewhat more definite.
1. Saul put on David a HELMET of “brass.” These were raised a little above the head, as may be seen by some of the sculptures from Nineveh (1 Sam. 17:38; Ezek. 23:24); the word is goba. Another word, koba, meaning the same, is found in 1 Samuel 17:5; 2 Chronicles 26:14; Isaiah 59:17; Jeremiah 46:4; Ezek. 27:10; and Ezekiel 38:5.
2. COAT OF MAIL. Saul put on David a “Coat of Mail,” shiryon (1 Sam. 17:5, 38). This word is translated HABERGEON in 2 Chronicles 26:14 and Nehemiah 4:16, which also signifies “coat of mail,” and there is a similar word in Job 41:26. It was made of brass scales fastened together. The weight of Goliath’s coat of mail was 5,000 shekels.
3. GREAVES. The giant wore Greaves of brass upon his legs (1 Sam. 17:6). The word is mitschah, and occurs nowhere else.
4. TARGET. He had a target of brass between his shoulders (1 Sam. 17:6): the word is kidon, and is elsewhere translated both “shield” and “spear.” In this case it was probably a small spear carried between the shoulders.
5. SHIELD. A shield was carried before him. This was a tsinnah, a shield of large size to protect the whole body, with a large boss in the center rising to a point which could be used as a weapon. It is employed figuratively for God’s protecting care of His people (Psa. 5:12; Psa. 91:4). The same word is translated BUCKLER (Psa. 35:2; Ezek. 23:24; Ezek. 26:8).
Another word is used for a smaller shield, magen, and this is the word which occurs most commonly in the Old Testament, especially in the Psalms, referring to God’s protection (Psa. 28:7; Psa. 33:20; Psa. 84:11; Psa. 119:114). The same word is translated BUCKLER (2 Sam. 22:31; 1 Chron. 5:18; Song of Sol. 4:4; Jer. 46:3).
The word shelet is translated “shield,” but is also applied to shields of gold (2 Sam. 8:7), and those suspended for ornament (Ezek. 27:11). It occurs also in 2 Kings 11:10; 1 Chronicles 18:7; 2 Chronicles 23:9; Song of Solomon 4:4 and Jeremiah 51:11.
In the New Testament “armor” is used symbolically.
1. ὅπλα, in contrast to “the works of darkness” we are exhorted to put on “the armor of light” (Rom. 13:12). Paul and his fellow-laborers commended themselves as God’s ministers by the “armor, or arms, of righteousness on the right hand and on the left” (2 Cor. 6:7).
2. παναπλἰα, “whole armor.” One stronger than Satan takes away all his “armor” (Luke 11:22). The Christian is exhorted to put on the “whole armor of God,” the panoply, that he may stand in the evil day in his conflict with the spiritual powers of wickedness in the heavenlies (Eph. 6:11, 13). See BREASTPLATE, HELMET, etc.