Shields have been part of humanity’s earliest days. Among the better-known versions is the Greek hoplite shield. Used by the Spartans, it was large and round, weighing up to 20 pounds. The large, rectangular Roman Testudo (meaning “tortoise”) is often portrayed in movies and was carried by legionaries. Unlike the Spartans and legionaries, the Vikings fought with round shields that were smaller and lighter, though formidable when overlapped to form a shield wall.
History records cowhide shields used by Zulu warriors, and Englishmen employed “pavise shields” that were as tall as a man and could be planted in the ground. Serving as the first line of defense, shields were vital to human survival. They were a barrier between the warrior and the threat, capable of absorbing the impact even as it bore down on the warrior.
It is no wonder then that God uses the analogy of a shield to describe one of the roles He serves for His people. That imagery is integral to the Abrahamic Covenant. In fact, it opens with the words, “After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: ‘Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great’” (Gen. 15:1). The promise that would end in incalculable abundance would be possible because God would be his “shield.” God promised to stand between Abraham and every external threat to the guarantee.
That’s the earliest reference in Scripture, but God repeatedly returns to the analogy. Just before his death, Moses pronounces a blessing on Israel that echoes the symbol.
The theme is repeated by David in his Song of Deliverance when he said, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; You save me from violence” (2 Sam. 22:2-3). In the same chapter David describes God as “a shield for all those who take refuge in Him” and, adds “You have given me the shield of Your salvation.”
Over 15 times the word is used in the Psalms! In just one example, Psalm 115 begins by declaring how great the name of the Lord is “for the sake of Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness!” Within that context, the psalmist continues:
What comforting words! God stands between you and all the adversaries who seek to harm you. A shield doesn’t clear the battlefield of threats, but it keeps the warrior safe from the attacks. Likewise, God is a continual refuge. Every child of God is a warrior for the King, and every one of the King’s warriors receives His protection. You can claim today the truth the psalmist declared centuries ago, “You are my hiding place and My shield; I hope in Your Word.”
You are no less worthy of being saved than Abraham, Moses or David. That’s why Paul told the church, “In all circumstances take up your shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one” (Eph. 6:16). Christian, take up your shield of faith! Trust in the LORD! He is a shield about you, your glory and the lifter of your head. Even as you hear arrows swiftly singing toward you, be assured that an Almighty God is shielding you from their impact. Hope in His Word. He is your help and your shield!