Shield:
The ordinary shield consisted of a framework of wood covered with leather; it thus admitted of being burnt (Ezekiel 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 (1 Maccabees 6:39) and to this, rather than to the practice of smearing blood on the shield we may refer the redness noticed by Nahum (Nahum 2:3). The surface of the shield was kept bright by the application of oil as implied in Isaiah 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 (1 Kings 10:17). In the metaphorical language of the Bible the shield generally represents the protection of God: e.g. Psalm 3:3; 28:7, but in Psalm 47:9, it is applied to earthly rulers and in Ephesians 6:18 to faith. SEE [ARMS, ARMOR, 10.].
The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy of Scripture. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry.
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