Topical Encyclopedia The Benjamites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, are frequently noted in the Scriptures for their prowess in battle and their skill with weaponry. Among the various implements of war, the shield holds a significant place in the armory of the Benjamites. The shield, a defensive weapon, was crucial in ancient warfare, providing protection against arrows, spears, and other offensive weapons.Biblical References and Descriptions The Bible provides several references to the Benjamites and their use of shields. In 1 Chronicles 12:2, the Benjamites are described as being ambidextrous warriors, capable of using both the bow and the sling with either hand. This skill would have been complemented by their use of shields, which were essential for defense in close combat and during ranged attacks. The tribe of Benjamin is also mentioned in 2 Chronicles 14:8, where King Asa of Judah had an army that included 280,000 men from Benjamin, "bearing shields and drawing bows." This indicates that the Benjamites were not only skilled in offensive tactics but also well-equipped with defensive gear, such as shields, which were vital for their protection and effectiveness in battle. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, shields were typically made from wood and covered with leather, sometimes reinforced with metal. They varied in size and shape, from small, round bucklers to large, rectangular shields that could cover the entire body. The Benjamites, known for their agility and speed, likely favored shields that allowed for mobility while still providing adequate protection. The use of shields by the Benjamites is also emblematic of their strategic importance in Israel's military campaigns. As a tribe located in a central and often contested region, the Benjamites were frequently involved in defending the nation against external threats. Their expertise with the shield and other weapons made them a formidable force in Israel's military endeavors. Symbolic Significance In the biblical narrative, the shield often symbolizes God's protection and strength. For the Benjamites, their physical shields in battle could also be seen as a representation of their reliance on divine protection. Passages such as Psalm 18:2, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold," reflect the spiritual significance of the shield as a metaphor for God's safeguarding presence. Conclusion The shield, as used by the Benjamites, serves as a testament to their martial skill and strategic importance in the history of Israel. It also carries a deeper spiritual meaning, symbolizing the protection and strength that comes from faith in God. Through their use of shields, the Benjamites exemplified both physical prowess and spiritual reliance, characteristics that are celebrated in the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 14:8And Asa had an army of men that bore targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bore shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valor. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 17:17 Library Book 5 Footnotes The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What is the key to not being afraid according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Salvation Army, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of 2 Samuel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Shield: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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