God's Armor

I found a little gem in the Scriptures this morning, tucked away in the fifty-ninth chapter of Isaiah. This little passage first caught my eye because it shows God calling for an intercessor (vs 16)...and yet finding none.  Now, I have long been familiar with the Armor of God as described by the apostle Paul in Ephesians chapter 6, verses 11-17.  It is found in a passage pertaining to spiritual warfare, and Paul exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God" to stand firm against the devil...

 "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 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 evil in the heavenly places. 13 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. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God...."

But I had NEVER heard of this armor in the Old Testament!  Imagine my surprise to see that God himself, uses some of these same pieces of armor to equip Himself to wage battle...but this time, in a vengeful way, exacting judgement upon those who rebel against Him. Starting with Isaiah 59:16-19...

"He saw that there was no man,
    and wondered that there was no one to intercede;
then his own arm brought him salvation,
    and his righteousness upheld him.
17 He put on righteousness as a breastplate,
    and a helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on garments of vengeance for clothing,
    and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.
According to their deeds, so will he repay,
    wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies;
    to the coastlands he will render repayment.
19 So they shall fear the name of the Lord from the west,
    and his glory from the rising of the sun;
for he will come like a rushing stream,
    which the wind of the Lord drives."

It is interesting to see ways the Old Testament complements the New Testament, and how the New Testament in Christ fulfills the law and prophesies of the Old Testament, isn't it?  I will keep this passage in mind as I pray over my spiritual armor today...that this is NOT just a mere exercise for believers, but that the Lord God adorns Himself with this powerful armor to wield His Authority...that is also ours in Christ as we pray to bring about His Kingdom here on Earth!