Overview
In biblical times, a girdle was a belt or band worn around the waist to secure clothing and carry items. The high priest wore an ornate girdle as part of his holy garments (Exodus 28:27-28). Beyond its practical function, the girdle symbolized preparedness for service and obedience to God's calling.
Key Scriptures
"The breastpiece shall not come loose from the ephod, because you shall bind the breastpiece to the ephod by means of the golden rings at its shoulders through the blue cord" (Exodus 28:28, ESV).
"Thus the LORD said to me, 'Go and buy a linen loincloth and put it around your waist, but do not dip it in water'" (Jeremiah 13:1, NASB). God instructed Jeremiah to wear and then hide a girdle as a sign of how Judah would cling to Him yet be marred by sin (Jeremiah 13:10-11).
Application
As believers, we are called to "gird up the loins of [our] mind" (1 Peter 1:13) by preparing ourselves spiritually for obedience and service to Christ.