(4) Cuirass. The Cuirass and Corslet, strictly speaking, were of prepared leather (corium), but often also composed of quilted cloths; the former in ancient times generally denoted a suit with leathern appendages at the bottom and at the shoulder, as used by the Romans; the latter. one in which the barrel did not come down below the hips, and usually destitute of leathern vitte, which was nationally Greek. In later ages it always designates a breast and back piece of steel. It is, however, requisite to observe that, in estimating the meaning of Hebrew names for armor of all kinds, they are liable to the same laxity of use which all other languages have manifested; for in military matters, more perhaps than in any other, a name once adopted remains the same, though the object may be changed by successive modifications, till there remains but little resem blance to that to which the designation was orig inally applied.
The girdle, or, more properly, the baldric or belt (cingula or bateus), was used by the Hebrews under the name of icor; it was of leather, studded with metal plates or bulbe; when the armor was slight, broad, and capable of being girt upon the hips: otherwise it supported the sword scarf-wise from the shoulder.
(5) Greaves. Greaves were likewise known, even so early as the time of David, for Goliath wore them. They consisted of a pair of shin covers of brass or strong leather, bound by thongs round the calves and above the ankles. They reached only to the knees, excepting among the Greeks, whose greaves, elastic behind, caught nearly the whole leg, and were raised in front above the knees. The Hebrew word solo, in Isaiah ix:;, is supposed to mean a half-greave. though the passage is altogether obscure. Perhaps the war-boot may be explained by the war-shoe of Egypt with a metal point. C. H. S.
Figurative. (i) Armor, when ascribed to God, denotes his all-sufficiency to conquer and de stroy the enemies of his people. (2) David em ploys a bold and truly believing prayer, when he prays God "to lay hold of shield and buckler, and draw out the spear" (Ps. xxxv :2). (3) The saMt,
being called to be a warrior under the Captain of Salvation, is provided with a panoply, or complete armor, both for defence and attack. (4) This spiritual armor consists of the following pieces: The "shield of faith ;" that is, confidence in God as reconciled in the Son of his love, or the grace of faith implanted in us by the Spirit. By this we resist the fiery darts of Satan. The "helmet" is the hope of salvation; the "breast-plate" is the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and im planted in us; the "girdle" is that of truth re vealed to us and dwelling in us; the "shoes" are the preparation of the gospel of peace; our "sword" is that of the Spirit, or the word of God; and the whole is fastened on and wielded in the exercise of all prayer (Eph. vi :13-2o). With these weapons we are to fight against sin, Satan and the world, and to defend ourselves from their many and dangerous attacks (Eph. vi:t 1-2o). (5) In Scripture this armor receives various names. Be cause, provided and given by God, it is called "the armor of God." God the Son purchased it for us; God the Ghost applies it, or bestows it on us. Its nature is Divine and spiritual ; its suc cess is of God; and by it we fight his battles and arc made more than conquerors (Eph. t). (6) Because given for the cause of righteousness, it is called "the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left:" it is purchased with the finished righteousness of Christ, and can in no case be successful unless righteously employed for the end intended by God (2 COI'. VI :7). (7) And inasmuch as it is openly wielded for the con demnation of the works of darkness, it is called "the armor of light ;" it proceeds from the Father of light; it is possessed and used by the children of light; it is shining, glorious and honorable. By wielding it skillfully we manifest our spiritual light and knowledge, and fight our way to ever lasting light (Rom. xiii:12).