Shield
SHIELD
A piece of defensive armor. God is often called the shield of his people, Gen 15:1 Psa 5:12 84:11, as are also princes and great men, 2Sa 1:21 Psa 47:9 . See ARMOR.
Fuente: American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Shield
See Armour.
Fuente: Dictionary of the Apostolic Church
Shield
is the rendering in the A.V. of the four following Hebrew words, of which the first two are the most usual and important; likewise of one Greek word.
1. The tsinnah (, from a root], to protect) was the large shield, encompassing (Psa 5:12) and forming a protection for the whole person. When not in actual conflict, the tsinnah was carried before the warrior (1Sa 17:7; 1Sa 17:41). The definite article in the former passage (the shield, not a shield as in the A.V.) denotes the importance of the weapon. The word is used with spear, romach (1Ch 12:8; 1Ch 12:14; 2 Chronicles 11:32, etc.), and chanith (1Ch 12:34) as a formula for weapons generally.
2. Of smaller dimensions was the magen ( from , to cover), a buckler or target, probably for use in hand to hand fight. The difference in size between this and the tsinnah is evident from 1Ki 10:16-17; 1Ki 10:29 2Ch 9:15-16, where a much larger quantity of gold is named as being used for the latter than for the former. The portability of the magen may be inferred from the notice in 2Ch 12:9-10; and perhaps also from 2Sa 1:21. The word is a favorite one with the poets of the Bible (see Job 15:26; Psa 3:3; Psa 18:2, etc.). Like tsinnah, it occurs in the formulated expressions for weapons of war, but usually coupled with light weapons, the bow (2Ch 14:8; 2Ch 17:7), darts, (2Ch 32:5).
3. What kind of arm the shelet () was it is impossible to determine. By some translators it is rendered a quiver, by some weapons generally, by others a shield. Whether either or none of these is correct, it is clear that the word had a very individual sense at the time; it denoted certain special weapons taken by David from Hadadezer, king of Zobah (2Sa 8:7; 1Ch 18:7), and dedicated in the temple, where they did service on the memorable occasion of Joash’s proclamation (2Ki 11:10; 2Ch 23:9), and where their remembrance long lingered (Son 4:4). From the fact that these arms were of gold, it would seem that they cannot have been for offense. In the two other passages of its occurrence (Jer 51:11; Eze 27:11) the word has the force of a foreign arm.
4. In two passages (1Sa 17:45; Job 39:23) kidon (), a dart, is thus erroneously rendered.
To these we may add socherah (, buckler), a poetical term, occurring only in Psa 91:4.
Finally, in Greek, (probably a door, hence a large shield) occurs metaphorically once (Eph 6:16).
Among the Hebrews the ordinary shield consisted of a framework of wood covered with leather; it thus admitted of being burned (Eze 39:9). The magen was frequently cased with metal, either brass or copper; its appearance in this case resembled gold, when the sun shone on it (1Ma 6:39), and to this rather than to the practice of smearing blood on the shield we may refer the redness noticed by Nahum (Nah 2:3). The surface of the shield was kept bright by the application of oil as implied in Isa 21:5; hence, Saul’s shield is described as not anointed with oil, i.e. dusty and gory (2Sa 1:21). Oil would be as useful for the metal as for the leather shield. In order to preserve it from the effects of weather, the shield was kept covered except in actual conflict (Isa 22:6; comp. Caesar, B. G. 2, 21; Cicero, Nat. Deor. 2, 14). The shield was worn oh the left arm, to which it was attached by a strap. It was used not only in the field, but also in besieging towns, when it served for the protection of the head, the combined shields of the besiegers forming a kind of testudo (Eze 26:8). Shields of state were covered with beaten gold. Solomon made such for use in religious processions (1Ki 10:16-17); when these were carried off they were replaced by shields of brass, which, as being less valuable, were kept in the guard room (1Ki 14:27), while the former had been suspended in the palace for ornament.
A large golden shield was sent as a present to the Romans when the treaty with them was renewed by Simon Maccabaeus (1Ma 14:24; 1Ma 15:18) it was intended as a token of alliance ( , Josephus, Ant. 14, 8, 5); but whether any symbolic significance was attached to the shield in particular as being the weapon of protection is uncertain. Other instances of a similar present occur (Sueton. Calig. 16), as well as of complimentary presents of a different kind on the part of allies (Cicero, Verr. 2 Act. 4, 29, 67). Shields were suspended about public buildings for ornamental purposes (1Ki 10:17; 1Ma 4:57; 1Ma 6:2). This was particularly the case with the shields (assuming shelet to have this meaning) which David took from Hadadezer (2Sa 8:7; Son 4:4), and which were afterwards turned to practical account (2Ki 11:10; 2Ch 23:9). The Gammadim similarly suspended them about their towers (Eze 27:11). SEE GAMMADIM. In the metaphorical language of the Bible the shield generally represents the protection of God (e.g. Psa 3:3; Psa 28:7); but in 47:9 it is applied to earthly rulers, and in Eph 6:16 to faith.
The large shield (, clipeus) of the Greeks and Romans was originally of a circular form, and in the Homeric times was large enough to cover the whole body. It was made sometimes of osiers twisted together, sometimes of wood, covered with ox hides several folds thick. On the center was a projection called , umbo, or boss, which sometimes terminated in a spike. After the Roman soldier received pay, the clipeus was discontinued for the scutum, , of oval or oblong form, and adapted to the shape of the body. Significant devices on shields are of great antiquity. Each Roman soldier had his name inscribed on his shield. Paul (Eph 6:16) uses the word rather than . because he is describing the armor of a Roman soldier. See Kitto, Pict. Bible, note at Jdg 5:8. SEE ARMOR.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
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.
Fuente: Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Shield
(See ARMS.) Being of wood covered with leather, it might be burned (Eze 39:9). In Nah 2:3, “the shield … is made red,” the reference is to bull’s hide shields dyed red to strike terror into the foe, or rather to the red reflection of the sun’s rays from shields of bronze or copper, such as are found among the Assyrian remains. The surface was kept bright with oil, which preserved both the leather and the metal, Isa 21:5, “anoint the shield”: Isaiah warns the Babylonian revelers to prepare for instant self defense; offensive arms are not mentioned, as Cyrus would take them by surprise in the midst of a feast (2Sa 1:21).
The shield was covered when not in use; Isa 22:6, “Kir uncovered the shield,” i.e. took off for battle the leather cover which protected the embossed figures from dust or injury. In Psa 47:9, “the shields of the earth belong unto God,” the shields are the princes as protectors of their people (Hos 4:18). Faith is our shield “above all” (Eph 6:16), i.e. to cover all that was put on before; but Sinaiticus and Vaticanus manuscripts read “IN all things.” Faith will certainly intercept (not only “ye may,” but “ye shall be able”) and so “quench all the fire-tipped darts of the evil one” (1Pe 5:9; 1Jo 5:4; 1Jo 5:18). Fire darts were canes with tow and combustibles ignited on the head. to set fire to wood and tents.
Fuente: Fausset’s Bible Dictionary
Shield
SHIELD.See Armour Arms, 2 (a).
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Shield
The Lord is frequently pleased to call himself the shield of his people. (Gen 15:1; Psa 5:12; Psa 84:11) And most blessedly, with an eye to Christ, do the sacred writers speak in this language. (Psa 18:1-2) And where Christ is indeed the shield, what weapon formed against his people can prosper? (Isa 54:16-17)
Fuente: The Poor Mans Concordance and Dictionary to the Sacred Scriptures
Shield
sheld. See ARMOR, IV., 1.
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Shield
Shield [ARMS]
Fuente: Popular Cyclopedia Biblical Literature
Shield
As a protection for the body, see ARMOUR.
Fuente: Concise Bible Dictionary
Shield
Defensive armor.
Different kinds of, designated as buckler, shield, target
Psa 35:2; Eze 38:4
Used by:
– Saul
2Sa 1:21
– The Benjamites
2Ch 14:8; 2Ch 17:17
Uzziah equipped the children of Israel with
2Ch 26:14
Made of:
– Made of:
1Ki 14:27
– Gold
2Sa 8:7; 1Ki 10:16-17; 2Ch 9:15-16
– Wood
Eze 39:9-10
Made with bosses
Job 15:26
Stored in:
– Armories
2Ki 10:17; 2Ch 11:12; 2Ch 32:5; 2Ch 32:27
– The tabernacle
2Ki 11:10; 2Ch 23:9
Covered when not in use
Isa 22:6
Painted red
Nah 2:3 Arms
Figurative:
– Of God’s protection
Gen 15:1; Deu 33:29; 2Sa 22:3; 2Sa 22:36; Psa 5:12; Psa 18:2; Psa 18:35; Psa 33:20; Psa 59:11; Psa 84:9; Psa 84:11; Psa 89:18; Pro 30:5
– Of God’s truth
Psa 91:4
– Of an entire army
Jer 46:3
Fuente: Nave’s Topical Bible
Shield
Shield. The ordinary shield consisted of a framework of wood, covered with leather; it thus admitted of being burnt. Eze 39:9. It was frequently cased with metal, either brass or copper; its appearance, in this case, resembled gold, when the sun shone on it, 1Ma 6:39, and to this, rather than to the practice of smearing blood on the shield, we may refer the redness noticed by Nahum. Nah 2:3. The surface of the shield was kept bright by the application of oil as implied in Isa 21:5.
The shield was worn on the left arm, to which it was attached by a strap. Shields of state were covered with beaten gold. Shields were suspended about public buildings for ornamental purposes. 1Ki 10:17. In the metaphorical language of the Bible, the shield generally represents the protection of God: for example, Psa 3:3; Psa 28:7, but in Psa 47:9, it is applied to earthly rulers and in Eph 6:18, to faith. See Arms.
Fuente: Smith’s Bible Dictionary
SHIELD
Shield to be well armed, especially with defensive arms, gives courage and confidence, and boldness to attack or undertake anything. Thus Horace, speaking of the boldness of him that first ventured to sea, saith that his breast was armed with treble brass, L. i. od.
Hence the shield is with the Oneirocritics a symbol of courage. In c. 233, they say it betokens intrepidity, and that if a king sees a shield in his dream, it denotes a stout commander under him against his enemies, such a general
being the shield of a king, .
So in schylus, the adulteress Clytemnestra is confident, that as long as gisthus, her luminary, shall blaze in. her house, he will be her protector and shield, and drive away all fear.f1
Thus in Psa 33:20, David calls God his shield; in the Hebrew H4043 from H1598, to protect, cover, defend. And in Psa 18:2, God is called the help and buckler, the offensive and defensive arms of his people.
F1 schyl. Agamemn. ver. 1443.
Fuente: A Symbolical Dictionary
Shield
formerly meant “a stone for closing the entrance of a cave;” then, “a shield,” large and oblong, protecting every part of the soldier; the word is used metaphorically of faith, Eph 6:16, which the believer is to take up “in (en in the original) all” (all that has just been mentioned), i.e., as affecting the whole of his activities.
Fuente: Vine’s Dictionary of New Testament Words
Shield
See ARMS.
Fuente: Biblical and Theological Dictionary
Shield
Gen 15:1 (a) The preserving and protecting care over His children is thus understood. Eph 6:16 (b) Here is an attitude of trust in the living GOD which preserves the heart of the child of GOD from injury by that which others say and do.