Meaning of SHIELD

There were two kinds: the small, round or oval ("magen": Pr. 6:11; 1 Sam. 17:7, 41; 1 Kings 10:16; etc.), and the large, elongated one ( "sinna"), which served the well-armed man for hand-to-hand combat.

This large shield also had gold applications, and also served as a piece of ornament or stopping equipment (1 Kings 10:16ff.), and could be made of wood or reed cloth, covered with leather, anointed with oil (2 S. 1:21; Is. 21:5), sometimes also embossed (Jb. 15:26), protected during the march by a sheath (draw the shield, Is. 22:6).

Distinguished people had their armor bearer (1 Sam. 17:7, 41). In the Old Testament the image of the shield (most often "magen") is frequently applied to God.

In the New Testament we talk about the shield of faith (Eph. 6:16). The believer must bear it, as Jehovah also bears it (Ps. 35:2). The fiery arrows of the devil bounce off this faith.