Goliath's Armor

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 6
In describing Goliath's armor, the Scripture tells us that he had "greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders." This would seem to be to protect his back. He had also "one bearing a shield" to go before him. (1 Sam. 17:6, 76And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders. 7And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him. (1 Samuel 17:6‑7).) The Christian, on the other hand, has no greaves for his legs, for he is to be "praying always"; he has no armor for his back, for he is to always face the enemy, and never run away. He varies his own shield of faith, for faith held by another is useless for him (Eph. 6:11-1811Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:11‑18)).
Satan, our great adversary, needs the greaves, for he does not pray; he needs armor for his back, for when the Christian resists him he flees (Jas. 4:77Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)). He has no shield of faith of his own, and a shield by another does not save him from the stone out of David's sling.