Shield
Used in defensive warfare, varying at different times and under different circumstances in size, form, and material (1 Sam. 17:7; 2 Sam. 1:21; 1 Kings 10:17; 1 Chr. 12:8, 24, 34; Isa. 22:6; Ezek. 39:9; Nahum 2:3). Used figuratively of God and of earthly princes as the defenders of their people (Gen. 15:1; Deut. 33:29; Ps. 33:20; 84:11). Faith is compared to a shield (Eph. 6:16). Shields were usually "anointed" (Isa. 21:5), in order to preserve them, and at the same time make the missiles of the enemy glide off them more easily.
Passages cited in this entry
1 Samuel 17:7 · 2 Samuel 1:21 · 1 Kings 10:17 · 1 Chronicles 12:8 · Isaiah 22:6 · Ezekiel 39:9 · Nahum 2:3 · Genesis 15:1 · Deuteronomy 33:29 · Psalms 33:20 · Ephesians 6:16 · Isaiah 21:5
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 3rd edition (1897). Public domain; text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library. A nineteenth-century Protestant reference: its dates, archaeology and judgements reflect the scholarship of its time and are not Imago Dei's editorial position.