Harness

Harness in the Old Testament refers both to the yoke and tackle used to fasten animals to a cart or plough, and to military armor. The Hebrew 'asar ("to bind") describes the fastening of animals: 1 Samuel 6:7 records the Philistines yoking two milk cows ('asar) to the cart carrying the ark of God. In a military sense, harness refers to the coat of armor or battle equipment worn by soldiers: 1 Kings 22:34 describes the random arrow that struck Ahab "between the joints of the harness" — i.e., between the plates of his armor — mortally wounding him despite his disguise.

Jeremiah 46:4 calls Egypt's warriors to "harness the horses" — meaning to yoke or equip them for battle. 2 Chronicles 9:24 mentions that Solomon received tribute including "harness" (translated "armor" in modern versions) and spices. The concept of putting on armor as preparation for battle became a rich metaphor in Paul's writing: the full armor of God in Ephesians 6:11–17 translates military harness imagery into spiritual disciplines and resources for the believer's struggle against evil.