Topical Bible: Shields: Kinds of Often Borne by an Armour Bearer

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In biblical times, shields were essential components of a warrior's armor, providing protection in battle and symbolizing strength and defense. The Bible references various types of shields, often carried by an armor bearer, who was responsible for the care and transport of a warrior's armor and weapons.

1. Large Shields (Hebrew: "tsinnah"): These were substantial, protective shields used primarily by infantry soldiers. They were large enough to cover the entire body, offering comprehensive protection against arrows and other projectiles. The "tsinnah" is mentioned in several passages, including 1 Samuel 17:7, where Goliath's shield-bearer is described: "The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the iron point of his spear weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him."

2. Small Shields (Hebrew: "magen"): Smaller and more maneuverable than the "tsinnah," the "magen" was often used in close combat. It allowed for greater agility while still providing significant protection. In 1 Kings 10:16-17, King Solomon's wealth and military strength are highlighted by the number of shields he possessed: "King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. The king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon."

3. Bronze Shields: These were typically used by elite soldiers and were a sign of wealth and status. Bronze shields are mentioned in 1 Kings 14:27-28, where King Rehoboam replaces the gold shields taken by Shishak, king of Egypt, with bronze ones: "So King Rehoboam made bronze shields to replace them and assigned these to the commanders of the guard on duty at the entrance to the royal palace."

4. Golden Shields: Symbolizing wealth and divine favor, golden shields were often used in ceremonial contexts rather than in battle. They are mentioned in 2 Chronicles 9:15-16, where Solomon's opulence is again noted: "King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of hammered gold went into each shield. He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. The king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon."

5. Shields of Faith: While not a physical shield, the concept of a "shield of faith" is a powerful metaphor in the New Testament, representing spiritual protection. 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."

In biblical narratives, the role of the armor bearer was crucial, as they not only carried the shields but also ensured the warrior was prepared for battle. The armor bearer was a trusted companion, often sharing in the dangers of warfare. The presence of various types of shields in the Bible underscores the importance of protection and preparedness, both physically and spiritually, in the life of a believer.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 17:7
And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and one bearing a shield went before him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... turn in their affairs to leave their usual haunts, a few days or often a few ... tells
us that, feeling himself mortally wounded, he called his armour-bearer to him ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Holy War,
... No breastplates, or shields, or swords, or darts. ... or these nine doubts united to
eight kinds of Bloodmen ... make them secure, he said, and said it often, O Mansoul ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... Thus were the shields of the temple committed to the guard (1 Kings 14:27) And ... I
have often thought that the best Christians are found in the worst of times ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... image of the earthly; if heavenly, you have borne the image ... in the doorway stood
many men in armour to keep ... comfortably;[58] also he would be often reading in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm