Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near Eastern context, shields were a crucial part of a warrior's armor, serving as a primary means of defense in battle. The Bible provides several references to the use and preparation of shields, particularly highlighting the practice of making them red before going to war. This practice is emblematic of the readiness and ferocity associated with warfare in biblical times.The reddening of shields is mentioned in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. In Nahum 2:3 , the prophet describes the preparation for battle: "The shields of his warriors are red; the valiant men are dressed in scarlet. The chariots flash with steel in the day of their preparation; the cypress spears are brandished." This vivid imagery suggests that the red color of the shields was not merely decorative but served a symbolic purpose, possibly to intimidate the enemy or to signify blood and impending violence. The process of making shields red could have involved painting them with a red pigment or covering them with red-dyed leather. This practice might have been intended to create a psychological effect on both the warriors and their adversaries, evoking the bloodshed that was to come and the seriousness of the conflict. In the broader biblical narrative, shields are often associated with divine protection and strength. For instance, in Psalm 18:2 , David declares, "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." Here, the shield symbolizes God's protection over His people, contrasting the human preparation for war with divine safeguarding. The practice of reddening shields before battle can also be seen as a reflection of the cultural and religious milieu of the time. In a world where warfare was a common occurrence, the preparation of shields was a ritualistic act that underscored the gravity of going to war. It was a tangible expression of the warrior's readiness to engage in combat and a visual representation of the blood that would be shed. In summary, the biblical references to red shields before war highlight the cultural and symbolic significance of this practice in ancient warfare. It underscores the seriousness of battle preparation and serves as a reminder of the ever-present reality of conflict in the biblical world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nahum 2:3The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet: the chariots shall be with flaming torches in the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Holy War, New Uses for Old Trophies The Incarnation and Birth of Christ The Destruction of Jerusalem. The Destruction of Jerusalem What and Whence are These? Ancient Civilisation {5} {6} Ancient Civilisation. The Puritan Conflict. Imperial Tombs. Resources What does it mean to be still and know that I am God? | GotQuestions.orgIs God perfect? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of perfection in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Shields in Times of Peace Were Hung up in Towers or Armouries Shields of the Vanquished, often Burned Shields were Scarce in Israel in the Days of Deborah and Barak Shields: A Disgrace to Lose, or Throw Away Shields: A Part of Defensive Armour Shields: Before War: Gathered Together Shields: Before War: Often Made Red Shields: Before War: Uncovered Shields: Frequently Made of, or Covered With: Brass Shields: Frequently Made of, or Covered With: Gold Shields: Kinds of Often Borne by an Armour Bearer Shields: Kinds of The Buckler or Target Shields: Kinds of The Small Shield Shields: Many of the Israelites Used, With Expertness Shields: Provided by the Kings of Israel in Great Abundance Shields: Said to Belong to God Related Terms Strengthened (113 Occurrences) |
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