used in defensive warfare, varying at different times and under different circumstances in size, form, and material ( 1 Samuel 17:7 ; 2 Sam 1:21 ; 1 Kings 10:17 ; 1 Chronicles 12:8 1 Chronicles 12:24 1 Chronicles 12:34 ; Isaiah 22:6 ; Ezekiel 39:9 ; Nahum 2:3 ).

Used figuratively of God and of earthly princes as the defenders of their people ( Genesis 15:1 ; Deuteronomy 33:29 ; Psalms 33:20 ; 84:11 ). Faith is compared to a shield ( Ephesians 6:16 ).

Shields were usually "anointed" ( Isaiah 21:5 ), in order to preserve them, and at the same time make the missiles of the enemy glide off them more easily.

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.