Definition: For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly beautiful verse from Isaiah 59:17. It’s a really powerful message about God’s care for His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that God is protecting and defending His people. Let’s unpack the imagery: “He put on righteousness as a breastplate…” – Think of a breastplate – it's designed to protect you from harm. Righteousness is like a shield, offering protection from evil and wrong. It represents God’s moral goodness and his desire to keep us safe. “…and an helmet of salvation upon his head.” - A helmet is protective, shielding someone from danger. This symbolizes that God is safeguarding us from sin, temptation, and the evils that threaten our lives. “He put on the garments of vengeance [for] clothing…” – This is a bit more figurative. “Vengeance” usually means punishment or retribution. But here, it means God’s righteous anger – a deep, abiding displeasure with evil. It's like God is wearing out his anger to protect us. "...and was clad with zeal as a cloke." - “Zeal” means passionate enthusiasm and determination. “As a cloke” suggests that this zealous protection isn’t just passive; it’s active, determined, and ready to fight for what's right. It’s like God is wearing his determination on our behalf. So, putting it all together: Isaiah 59:17 describes God as actively protecting His people, offering them a shield against harm and dressed in a righteous fury – a powerful determination to defend us. It’s a message of hope and reassurance that even when we stumble, God is always watching over us. Why is this important? It's a reminder that God cares about us, even when we don’t deserve it. He’s not just passively allowing things to happen; He’s actively intervening to protect us. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to a specific story or example?