Topical Bible: The Truth of God is a Shield and Buckler to Saints

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The concept of God's truth serving as a shield and buckler is a profound theme found within the Holy Scriptures, offering comfort and assurance to believers. This imagery is primarily drawn from Psalm 91:4, which states, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart" . Here, the term "faithfulness" is often understood as God's truth or reliability, emphasizing His unwavering commitment to His promises and His people.

Biblical Context and Meaning

In the ancient Near Eastern context, a shield and buckler were essential components of a warrior's armor. The shield provided broad protection against the enemy's attacks, while the buckler, a smaller shield, offered agility and precision in defense. By likening God's truth to these defensive tools, the Scriptures convey the comprehensive and dynamic protection that God offers to His saints.

The truth of God encompasses His divine attributes, His promises, and His revealed Word. It is unchanging and eternal, as affirmed in Psalm 119:160, "The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever" . This truth serves as a foundation for the believer's faith, providing stability and security amidst life's uncertainties.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the truth of God as a shield and buckler underscores His role as a divine protector. It assures believers that they are safeguarded not by their own strength or wisdom, but by the immutable nature of God's character and His covenantal faithfulness. This protection is not merely physical but extends to spiritual realms, guarding the hearts and minds of the saints against deception and spiritual warfare.

Ephesians 6:14 further elaborates on this concept by instructing believers to "stand firm, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist" . Here, truth is depicted as part of the armor of God, essential for standing against the schemes of the devil. It is through embracing and living out God's truth that believers can resist falsehood and remain steadfast in their faith.

Practical Implications for Believers

For the saints, understanding that God's truth is a shield and buckler has profound practical implications. It calls for a life rooted in the study and application of Scripture, as the Word of God is the primary source of divine truth. By immersing themselves in the Bible, believers can discern truth from error and align their lives with God's will.

Moreover, this truth invites believers to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem dire. As Proverbs 30:5 declares, "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him" . This trust is not passive but active, requiring a daily commitment to walk in obedience and faith, confident that God's truth will guide and protect them.

In times of trial and temptation, the truth of God serves as a refuge, offering peace and assurance. It reminds believers that they are not alone in their struggles, for God is their ever-present help and defense. By clinging to His truth, saints can navigate the challenges of life with courage and hope, knowing that their ultimate security rests in the unchanging nature of their faithful God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 9:14
That I may show forth all your praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in your salvation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Organically One.
... Mutual love among the saints can not flourish unless the saint acknowledge God,
confess His name, exalt His truth as their shield and buckler; praise His ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxx organically one.htm

The Value of this Doctrine
... to the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God: in Him ... His feathers, and under
His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter twelve the value of.htm

The Power of God
... God's power will not be the sinner's shield to defend him ... and he cannot but raise
them because of his truth. ... It is comfort in reference to the church of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/6 the power of god.htm

Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators
... "Fear not, Abraham (saith God), I am thy shield, and thy ... this particular; he must
roll himself upon the power, and faithfulness, and truth of God, and wait ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/hooker the activity of.htm

On Divine Providence
... while we are under his wings, and his faithfulness and truth are our shield and
buckler ... should take the utmost care to walk humbly and closely with our God. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 67 on divine providence.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... as you come of your own wills, when I have any truth to speak ... a sword and with a
spear and with a shield; but I ... in the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

Life in Christ
... his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield
and buckler. ... Ye shall live," that is to say, every child of God shall live ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/life in christ.htm

"The Time of Trouble. "
... fear Him "rejoice in the Lord," and joy in the God of their ... His feathers, and under
His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... that fear Him "rejoice in the Lord" and joy in the God of their ... His fathers, and
under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... sword, can do him harm, except in so far as God their master ... his feathers, and under
his wings shalt thou trust; his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 use to be.htm