Ever Righteous, Ever Faithful

 

 

Good day! I’m Duane Matz and this is Today’s Living Word:

 

Isa 11:5 Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist.

 

Isaiah continues his description of the coming Messiah and one would have to be familiar with the clothing customs of biblical days to fully grasp the picture presented here. I’m not, so I will try to portray it in terms we might be able to understand.

 

The King James uses the word “girdle” here for belt, and the picture I get of modern day clothing would be a jock strap for the loins and a girdle for the waist. That may seem a bit crass, but it’s the best I can do.

 

A jock strap is typically used in anticipation of vigorous physical activity., and “girding up the loins” in biblical terminology, meant preparing or being prepared for battle. The Messiah is ever ready to battle for you. De 3:22 'You must not fear them, for the LORD your God Himself fights for you.'

 

On the other hand, the girdle or belt around the waist was used to “keep it all together” if you will. And it was where the sword was typically sheathed.

 

So the picture I get here is a Messiah prepared to battle in perfect righteousness and perfect faithfulness for His church. With the Word of God ever ready as the sword of the Spirit.

 

A belt or girdle being a picture of holding it all together perfectly. Righteousness and faithfulness ever with our Savior. Ever with the Son of God! No let down ever.

 

Girded in faithfulness we have His assurance that He will never break His promises and that HE will never leave or forsake you!

 

De 31:6 "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."

 

Girded in righteousness because He and His Word are perfectly right. Ps 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right, And all His work is done in truth.

 

As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, this is who goes to war for you! He is your righteousness and ever faithful to you.

 

 

I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word.