Belts.

Since garments were made long and hung down loosely to the very feet, they were customarily girded about the loins with belts. This gave a handsome appearance to the figure and protected against entanglement during labor or movement. Hence the expression “to gird up the loins” became a significant figurative expression, signifying readiness for service, activity, and vigilance, while the other expression—“to loosen the belt”—signified surrendering oneself to rest and idleness (2 Kings 4:29, Job 38:3, Is. 5:27, Jer. 1:17, Luke 12:35, Acts 12:8, 1 Pet. 1:13).

Belts were made of straps, cotton fabric, or leather, and were six inches or more in width, with a buckle attached in the middle, by means of which the length of the belt could be lengthened or shortened. Sometimes belts were made of fine linen or linen fabric (Ezek. 16:10) and were often adorned with rich metal ornaments, precious stones, or gold embroidery. A belt was sometimes used also to carry a weapon (2 Sam. 20:8), money, and other things customarily carried in a pocket.

The people of God’s full devotion to His service is figuratively explained by a belt lying close to a man’s loins (Jer. 13:11). In the same way, righteousness and faithfulness are called by the prophet (Is. 11:5) the girdle of the Promised Messiah.