In God’s creation no two creatures are ever exactly alike, and they all follow the original pattern given them by God. Each species has been provided with distinctive features best suited for its manner of life. The armadillo is an outstanding example, because it is so different from all other animals. Its name comes from a South American Indian word meaning “armor.” This “armor” covers the armadillo from the tip of its pointed snout to the end of its long tail, including its short legs and feet. Flexible and tough, this armor crosses the back of the armadillo in bands connected by bony rings. The parts over its shoulders and head, lower back and tail, are separate pieces. It looks something like an old-time soldier ready for battle, but it is actually a peaceful animal.
The underpart of its body is not shielded, but has a thick, tough skin. This all-over protection is not only helpful against attacks by large animals, but enables it to travel through thorny, sharp undergrowth without harm, where most other animals cannot go. It has been given other means of defense, too. Where the soil is soft it escapes by burrowing rapidly with its long claws. Once it is underground it is almost impossible to pull out. Some varieties can roll into a tight ball so they are completely protected by their armor.
Although toothless, like the anteater (to which they are related) they have long, sticky tongues which they use to catch great quantities of ants, termites, beetles and other insects. The fangs of snakes cannot pierce their armor, so all reptiles fear them since the armadillo can kill them by pressing its armor’s sharp edges into them. Besides killing and eating snakes, they eat birds and vegetation, but their main food is destructive insects, including fire ants. So they are a real help to farmers.
The way they cross a stream is interesting. Since they are able to hold their breath for as long as five or six minutes, they will walk along the bottom of the stream to reach the other side. The weight of their armor keeps them from floating away. But if they decide to swim across, they first swallow lots of air, which keeps them on the surface while they paddle along. However, they cannot go very far either way.
Females of the nine-banded species almost always bear quadruplets (four), and they are either all males or all females—never mixed. Their armor is soft when they are born, but it soon toughens and hardens as they get older.
We can see that the Creator was very thorough in providing the armadillo with such protection, but did you know that God offers you armor, too? In Romans 13:1212The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12) it is called “the armor of light,” and in Ephesians 6:11-1711Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:11‑17) we learn that faith in the Lord Jesus as our Saviour provides armor to protect us from any attack of our wicked enemy, Satan. In this scripture it is referred to as “the whole armor of God,” and everyone is invited to put it on.
Are you wearing this shelter and protection?
ML-05/15/1983