Shield(buckler)
Summary
A defensive weapon of war carried on the arm, used both literally for protection in battle and figuratively throughout Scripture as a symbol of God's protection.
☩Types and Construction
Hebrew distinguishes two main types of shields. The tsinnah was a large shield that encompassed and protected the entire person, often carried before the warrior by a shield-bearer. The magen (buckler or target) was smaller, used in hand-to-hand combat. The difference in size is evident from Solomon's construction: much more gold was required for the large shields than the small ones. Ordinary shields consisted of a wooden framework covered with leather, making them combustible. Many were cased with metal—brass or copper—which reflected sunlight with a golden appearance.
☩Care and Storage
Shield surfaces were kept bright by applying oil, which preserved both leather and metal components. Isaiah's phrase 'anoint the shield' reflects this practice of preparation for battle. When not in use, shields were covered to protect embossed designs from dust and weather. Shields were stored in armories and even in the tabernacle and temple, where David's dedicated shields taken from Hadadezer were later used during Joash's coronation.
☩Symbolic and Ceremonial Use
Solomon made ceremonial shields of beaten gold for religious processions; when Shishak of Egypt carried these away, Rehoboam replaced them with bronze shields stored in the guard room. Shields were suspended on public buildings for ornament. Simon Maccabaeus sent a large golden shield to Rome as a token of alliance.
☩Metaphorical Usage
Scripture frequently employs shield imagery to represent God's protection of His people. The psalmists especially favor this metaphor: 'You, O Lord, are a shield about me' (Psalm 3:3). In Psalm 47:9, shields represent earthly rulers as protectors of their people. Paul applies the imagery to faith itself: believers are to take up 'the shield of faith' to quench the fiery darts of the evil one.
Related Verses76 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shield," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Shield," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Shield," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).