Shield and Buckler
Last month I attended a conference for artists and people of faith (the Breath and the Clay) and the Sunday morning after it ended, a kind and thoughtful woman I met while there encouraged me to sign up for a prophetic prayer. I had heard great things about this kind of prayer ministry and signed up, even though there was somewhat of a waiting list. When I was called for my turn, I was escorted to a small office room and met my two very sweet people, a man and a woman, who had me sit across from them and knew only my name, nothing else. The man said I could record their time together with me on my phone, and once I had it recording, he said they were just going to ask the Lord for a word for me and began praying. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I didn’t want any of my own skepticism hinder their prayers, so simultaneously I asked the Lord to let whatever needed to happen wash over me like waves. I also sensed an angel of protection or provision standing behind and above me, as if I had given permission for my spirit to connect to their hearts and minds in prayer, in God.
My expectations were smashed to pieces in the best way possible. The woman, who spoke first, gave her word for me. That I could see into the Spirit. Angels. Faithful in the small things. Then the man spoke his word for me. To trust in the Lord as my shield and buckler. Another word. Break chains. Discern.
So, I’m taking my next study into these words, starting with Shield and Buckler.
Psalm 35
1Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me!
2Take hold of shield and buckler
and rise for my help!
3Draw the spear and javelin
against my pursuers!
Say to my soul,
“I am your salvation!”
Psalm 91
1He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
4He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler…
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12On their hands they will bear you up…
Psalm 18
2The 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…
30This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
Proverbs 2
6For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8guarding the paths of justice
and watching over the way of his saints.
Psalm 28
7The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;…
8The LORD is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.
9Oh, save your people and bless your heritage!
Be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Psalm 84
11For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
magen or meginnah: Shield
Original Word: מָגֵן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: magen
Pronunciation: mah-GEN or meh-gin-NAH
Phonetic Spelling: (maw-gane')
Definition: Shield
Meaning: a shield, a protector, the scaly hide of the crocodile
Word Origin: Derived from the root verb גָּנַן (ganan), meaning "to cover" or "to protect."
Usage: The Hebrew words "magen" and "meginnah" primarily denote a shield, a piece of defensive armor used in battle to protect the warrior from enemy attacks. In a broader sense, these terms are also used metaphorically in the Bible to describe God's protection and defense of His people. The shield symbolizes safety, security, and divine protection.
Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the shield was an essential part of a soldier's armor. It was typically made of wood, leather, or metal and was used to deflect arrows, spears, and other weapons. The shield's importance in warfare made it a powerful symbol of protection and strength. In the biblical context, God is often depicted as a shield to His people, emphasizing His role as a protector and defender against spiritual and physical threats.
tsinnah: Shield, Buckler
Original Word: צִנָּה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: tsinnah
Pronunciation: tsin-naw'
Phonetic Spelling: (tsin-naw')
Definition: Shield, Buckler
Meaning: a hook, a, shield, cold
Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to be pointed
Usage: The Hebrew word "tsinnah" primarily refers to a large shield or buckler used in ancient warfare. It is often associated with protection and defense, symbolizing God's protection over His people. In a broader sense, it can also represent any form of defense or safeguard.
Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the shield was an essential part of a warrior's armor. The "tsinnah" was typically a large, rectangular shield that provided extensive coverage, protecting the soldier from head to toe. It was often made of wood and covered with leather, sometimes reinforced with metal. Shields were not only practical in battle but also held symbolic significance, representing strength, protection, and divine favor.
What does it mean for the Lord to be a Shield and Buckler?
He is these things…
refuge
strength
horn
stronghold
rock
fortress
shelter
He does these things…
bestows favor and honor
saves
carries
shepherd
guard
watch over
give wisdom
deliver
cover over
command angels
bear you up
contend
fight
rise
say to my soul
draw weapons
Ephesians 6:16
above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.
Psalms 76:3
There he broke the flaming arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah.
Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of Yahweh came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Don't be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."
Deuteronomy 33:29
You are happy, Israel. Who is like you, a people saved by Yahweh, the shield of your help, the sword of your excellency! Your enemies shall submit themselves to you. You shall tread on their high places."
Psalms 3:3
But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
Psalms 5:12
For you will bless the righteous. Yahweh, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.
Psalms 7:10
My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.
Psalms 119:114
You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in your word.