Then he put on righteousness as a coat of mail, and the helmet of salvation upon his head. Furthermore, he put on the garments of vengeance as raiment and enwrapped himself with zeal as if a sleeveless coat.

11, 12. (a) What does Jehovah’s wearing the “helmet of salvation” signify? (b) What does his wearing the “coat of mail” of righteousness indicate, and of what does this give promise?

¹¹ For the coming universal war Jehovah puts on “the helmet of salvation,” but, instead of a “breastplate of righteousness,” he puts on “a coat of mail” of righteousness. Of course, he does not need such protective devices, inasmuch as he is almighty and deathproof, imperishable. So here mere figures of speech are used to illustrate something. His putting on “the helmet of salvation” indicates that he has in mind the salvation of his cause, particularly the interests of his Messianic kingdom. Nothing that the enemy might do in attacking his cause will knock his purpose of salvation out of his head or beat him into unconsciousness about it, making him oblivious to it. As for the flexible “coat of mail” of righteousness, his having it on his torso illustrates that his love of righteousness is inviolate. No assault against his theocratic cause can deaden his heartfelt devotion to what is right.

13. (a) What does Jehovah’s putting on “the garments of vengeance” as his raiment indicate? (b) What does his enwrapping himself with “zeal as if a sleeveless coat” indicate?

¹³ Jehovah will fight as the Avenger. That is why he is pictured as putting on “the garments of vengeance as raiment.” His witnesses on earth are commissioned to “proclaim . . . the day of vengeance on the part of our God.” (Isa. 61:1, 2) His enwrapping himself with “zeal as if a sleeveless coat” betokens that his zeal will carry him forward, not madly or insanely, but with dignity such as an ancient “sleeveless coat” imparted to its wearer. To his adversaries and enemies he will give the dealings and treatment that correspond with what they dealt out to those who stood uncompromisingly for his theocratic cause. Even small, isolated organizations like “islands” will get their due.