Shield used in defensive warfare, varying at different times and under different circumstances in size, form, and material (1 Samuel 17:7; 2 Samuel 1:21; 1 Kings 10:17; 1 Chronicles 12:8, 1 Chronicles 1:12, 1 Chronicles 1:12; 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; Psalms 1:84). 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.