Topical Bible: Shield of an Entire Army

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The concept of a "shield of an entire army" in the Bible is a powerful metaphor that illustrates divine protection and collective security provided by God to His people. This imagery is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern context, where shields were not only individual pieces of armor but also symbols of protection and strength for entire military forces.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The Bible frequently uses the imagery of a shield to describe God's protection over His people. In the Old Testament, the shield is often associated with God's covenantal promises and His role as a divine warrior who defends Israel against its enemies. For instance, in Psalm 18:30 , it is written, "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him." This verse highlights the protective nature of God as a shield for those who trust in Him.

In a military context, the shield was a crucial part of a soldier's armor, providing defense against enemy attacks. The collective use of shields by an entire army would create a formidable barrier, often referred to as a "shield wall," which was a common tactic in ancient warfare. This imagery is reflected in the spiritual realm, where the unity and faith of God's people serve as a collective shield against spiritual adversaries.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the shield represents faith and trust in God. Ephesians 6:16 states, "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Here, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to use their faith as a shield to protect against spiritual attacks. This passage underscores the importance of faith not only as an individual defense but also as a collective strength for the body of Christ.

The shield of an entire army also signifies the unity and solidarity of God's people. In the Old Testament, Israel's victories were often attributed to their reliance on God as their shield and protector. For example, in Deuteronomy 33:29 , Moses declares, "Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is the shield that protects you, the sword of your triumph." This verse emphasizes the unique relationship between God and Israel, where His protection is both personal and communal.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, the shield was a vital component of a soldier's equipment, often made of wood and covered with leather or metal. It was used in various formations, such as the phalanx, where soldiers would align their shields to form a protective barrier. This tactic not only provided physical protection but also fostered a sense of unity and mutual reliance among the soldiers.

The cultural significance of the shield extended beyond the battlefield. It was a symbol of honor and status, often decorated with emblems or inscriptions that identified the warrior's allegiance. In a spiritual sense, the shield of faith identifies believers as part of God's army, united in purpose and protected by His power.

Practical Application

For believers today, the concept of the shield of an entire army serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, unity, and reliance on God for protection. It encourages Christians to stand firm together, supporting one another in spiritual battles and trusting in God's promises. The shield of faith is not only a personal defense but also a collective strength that empowers the church to withstand the challenges of the world.

In summary, the shield of an entire army in the Bible is a rich metaphor that conveys God's protective power, the importance of faith, and the unity of His people. It serves as a timeless reminder of the divine security available to those who trust in the Lord and stand together in faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 46:3
Order you the buckler and shield, and draw near to battle.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Prayer and vigilance
... perfection of his lustrous dress, the spots of rust on his gleaming shield, are
imperceptible ... There is a sense, in which the entire army of Christ is involved. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xi prayer and vigilance.htm

Jehovah Nissi
... out of it, bringing his victorious shield with him ... of the host, and determined the
movements of the army. ... and absolute obedience means the entire suppression of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/jehovah nissi.htm

That the Miseries Still Grew Worse; and How the Romans Made an ...
... upon his knee, and covered himself with his shield, and at ... of both the bodies of
the Jewish army, as well ... same thing as the beginning of their entire conquest. ...
/.../chapter 1 that the miseries.htm

The Goths
... pearls or emeralds for her, and some shield with its ... be preferred to the well-being
of the entire Empire ... his successor, Izdegerd, was to send an army to attack ...
/.../gathering clouds a tale of the days of st chrysostom/chapter xxv the goths.htm

Philippians iii. 18-21
... are, the Cross is a great good, the armor of salvation, a shield which cannot ... wars,
and become the object of admiration, should with his army entire, return to ...
/.../homily xiii philippians iii 18-21.htm

The Divine Liturgy of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, the ...
... Gird on thy shield and armour, and rise to ... deacons, [4175] readers, singers, with
the entire body of ... in all peace the king, [4191] army, magistrates, councils ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/early liturgies/the divine liturgy of the.htm

How Titus Gave Orders to Demolish the Tower of Antonia and Then ...
... the most strenuously, both single men and entire regiments, as ... of those that stood
there in the army huffed him ... bloody as it was, and shook his shield with his ...
/.../chapter 2 how titus gave.htm

The King --Continued.
... was in some danger of forgetting his entire dependence on God ... conveyed is that the
army is an army of priests ... who bore the cross on helmet and shield, and shaped ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xii the kingcontinued.htm

Jehovah
... of fight that Hezekiah fought when he and his army marched out ... "Above all things
taking the shield of faith ... order to bring us to a place of entire dependence on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 6 jehovah.htm

The Necessity of Increased Faith
... of them, take care that you have "the shield of faith ... prayers and faith than she
was of an army of ten ... not until after years that they believe the entire gospel ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the necessity of increased faith.htm