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.