used in defensive warfare, varying at different times and under different circumstances in size, form, and material (1-Sam 17:7; 2-Sam 1:21; 1-Kings 10:17; 1-Chr 12:8, 1-Chr 12: 24, 34; Isa. 22:6; Ezek. 39:9; Nahum 2:3).
Used figuratively of God and of earthly princes as the defenders of their people (Gen. 15:1; Deut. 33:29; Psa 33:20;84:11). Faith is compared to a shield (Eph. 6:16).
Shields were usually "anointed" (Isa. 21:5), in order to preserve them, and at the same time make the missiles of the enemy glide off them more easily.