King James Bible Dictionary

Used in defensive warfare, varying at different times and under different circumstances in size, form, and material (1 Samuel 17:7; 2 Samuel 1:21; 1 Kings 10:17; 1 Chronicles 12:8, 24, 34; Isaiah 22:6; Ezekiel 39:9; Nahum 2:3).

Used figuratively of God and of earthly princes as the defenders of their people (Genesis 15:1; Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalms 33:20; 84:11). Faith is compared to a shield (Ephesians 6:16).

Shields were usually "anointed" (Isaiah 21:5), in order to preserve them, and at the same time make the missiles of the enemy glide off them more easily.

Defensive armor.

Different kinds of, designated as buckler, shield, target
Psalms 35:2; Ezekiel 38:4

Used by:

Saul
2 Samuel 1:21

The Benjamites
2 Chronicles 14:8; 2 Chronicles 17:17

Uzziah equipped the children of Israel with
2 Chronicles 26:14

Made of:

Made of:
1 Kings 14:27

Gold
2 Samuel 8:7; 1 Kings 10:16-17; 2 Chronicles 9:15-16

Wood
Ezekiel 39:9-10

Made with bosses
Job 15:26

Stored in:

Armories
2 Kings 10:17; 2 Chronicles 11:12; 2 Chronicles 32:5; 2 Chronicles 32:27

The tabernacle
2 Kings 11:10; 2 Chronicles 23:9

Covered when not in use
Isaiah 22:6

Painted red
Nahum 2:3
Arms

Figurative:

Of God's protection
Genesis 15:1; Deuteronomy 33:29; 2 Samuel 22:3; 2 Samuel 22:36; Psalms 5:12; Psalms 18:2; Psalms 18:35; Psalms 33:20; Psalms 59:11; Psalms 84:9; Psalms 84:11; Psalms 89:18; Proverbs 30:5

Of God's truth
Psalms 91:4

Of an entire army
Jeremiah 46:3

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 Macc. 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. (Psalms 3:3; 28:7) but in (Psalms 47:9) it is applied to earthly rulers and in (Ephesians 6:18) to faith. [ARMS, ARMOR]

SHIELD, verb transitive

1. To cover, as with a shield; to cover from dasnger; to defend; to protect; to secure form assault or injury.

To see the son the vanquish'd father shield. Dryden.

Hear one that comes to shield his injur'd honor. Smith.

2. To ward off; to defend against; as clothes shield one from the cold.

SHIE'LDED, participle passive Covered, as with a shield; defended; protected.

SHIEL'DING, participle present tense Covering, as with a shield; defending from attack or injury; protected.