Topical Encyclopedia
A "buckler" in biblical terms refers to a type of shield or defensive armor used in ancient warfare. The term is often used metaphorically in the Bible to describe God's protection and faithfulness to His people. The buckler is typically smaller than a full shield, allowing for greater mobility while still providing significant protection.
Biblical References:1.
Psalm 18:2 : "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Here, the term "shield" is often understood to include the concept of a buckler, emphasizing God's role as a protector and defender.
2.
Psalm 91:4 : "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." The word "rampart" can be interpreted as a buckler, highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's protection.
3.
Proverbs 2:7 : "He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity." The buckler here symbolizes the wisdom and protection granted to those who live righteously.
Symbolism and Interpretation:In the biblical context, the buckler is not merely a piece of physical armor but a symbol of divine protection. It represents the security and safety that God provides to those who trust in Him. The imagery of God as a buckler conveys the idea that He is both a defensive and offensive force, capable of shielding His people from harm while also enabling them to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.
The use of the buckler in Scripture often accompanies themes of faithfulness and righteousness. It is a reminder that God's protection is not arbitrary but is extended to those who live according to His commandments and seek His wisdom. The buckler, therefore, serves as a metaphor for the spiritual armor that believers are encouraged to don in their daily walk with God.
Historical Context:In ancient warfare, a buckler was a small, round shield held in the hand or worn on the forearm. It was used to deflect blows and was particularly effective in close combat. The buckler's size allowed for quick maneuverability, making it a favored choice for soldiers who needed to move swiftly and engage in hand-to-hand combat.
The biblical authors, familiar with the military equipment of their time, used the buckler as a powerful metaphor to communicate God's protective nature. Just as a soldier would rely on a buckler for defense in battle, believers are encouraged to rely on God's strength and protection in their spiritual lives.
Theological Significance:Theologically, the buckler underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people. It is a tangible expression of His promise to be a refuge and strength for those who are faithful to Him. The buckler also serves as a call to trust in God's provision and to live in accordance with His will, knowing that His protection is assured for those who walk in His ways.
In summary, the buckler in the Bible is a rich symbol of God's unwavering protection and faithfulness. It invites believers to trust in His strength and to seek His wisdom, knowing that He is a reliable shield against the trials and challenges of life.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(1.) A portable shield (2 Samuel 22:31;1 Chronicles 5:18).
(2.) A shield surrounding the person; the targe or round form; used once figuratively (Psalm 91:4).
(3.) A large shield protecting the whole body (Psalm 35:2;Ezek. 23:24;26:8).
(4.) A lance or spear; improperly rendered "buckler" in the Authorized Version (1 Chronicles 12:8), but correctly in the Revised Version "spear."
The leather of shields required oiling (2 Samuel 1:21;Isaiah 21:5), so as to prevent its being injured by moisture. Copper (= "brass") shields were also in use (1 Samuel 17:6;1 Kings 14:27). Those spoken of in1 Kings 10:16, etc.; 14:26, were probably of massive metal.
The shields David had taken from his enemies were suspended in the temple as mementoes (2 Kings 11:10). (seeARMOUR, SHIELD.)
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A kind of shield, of various shapes and sizes, worn on one of the arms (usually the left) for protecting the front of the body.
2. (n.) One of the large, bony, external plates found on many ganoid fishes.
3. (n.) The anterior segment of the shell of trilobites.
4. (n.) A block of wood or plate of iron made to fit a hawse hole, or the circular opening in a half-port, to prevent water from entering when the vessel pitches.
5. (v. t.) To shield; to defend.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BUCKLERbuk'-ler: God is called a "buckler" (the Revised Version (British and American) "shield") to them that trust Him (Psalm 18:2, 302 Samuel 22:31Proverbs 2:7).
SeeARMOR.
Greek
785. aspis -- an asp... asp. Of uncertain derivation; a
buckler (or round shield); used of a serpent (as
coiling itself), probably the "asp" -- asp. (aspidon) -- 1 Occurrence.
...Strong's Hebrew
5507. socherah -- abuckler... 5506, 5507. socherah. 5508 . a
buckler. Transliteration: socherah Phonetic
Spelling: (so-khay-raw') Short Definition: bulwark.
...buckler.
...4043. magen -- a shield
... Word Origin from ganan Definition a shield NASB Word Usage armed (2),buckler (1),
large (1), rulers (1), scales (1), shield (41), shields (16)....
6793. tsinnah -- probably a hook, barb
... tsinnah. 6793a . probably a hook, barb. Transliteration: tsinnah Phonetic Spelling:
(tsin-naw') Short Definition:buckler.buckler, cold, hook, shield, target...
7420. romach -- a spear, lance
...buckler, javelin, lancet, spear. From an unused root meaning to hurl; a lance (as
thrown); especially the iron point --buckler, javelin, lancet, spear....
6793c. tsinnah -- (large) shield
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition (large) shield NASB Word Usagebuckler
(3), bucklers (1), large shield (3), large shields (3), shield (7), shield...
Library
Introduction
... introduced by Cyril in the following terms: "He, ie, Manes, fled from prison and
came into Mesopotamia; but there he was met by thatbuckler of righteousness...
The Sheltering Wing
... 'He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust:
His truth shall be thy shield andbuckler.' "Psalm 91:4....
Psalm 18
... My God, my strength, whom I will trust,. abuckler unto me,. The horn of my salvation,....
the Lord his word is try'd; He is abuckler to all those....
The Shield of Faith
... Fear not, Abraham; I am thy Shield.' The psalmist invoked God, in a rapturous
exuberance of adoring invocations, as his fortress, and hisbuckler, and the horn...
A Description of the Roman Armies and Roman Camps and of Other...
... Those foot-men also that are chosen out from the rest to be about the general himself
have a lance and abuckler, but the rest of the foot soldiers have a...
A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection...
... It followeth, "And in all things take the shield orbuckler of faith." Thebuckler
is a thing wherewith a man most chiefly defendeth himself: and that must be...
The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... Abuckler of moderate dimensions had been substituted for the gigantic shield of
the earlier Theban period; it was rounded at the top and often furnished with...
The Bright Dawn of a Reign
... would be. To 'rush against the thick bosses of the Almighty'sbuckler' does
no harm to thebuckler, but kills the insane assailant....
Dilemma and Deliverance
... First, I shall note a certain fiery dart of Satan; secondly, I shall point out to
you heaven's divinebuckler, as hinted at in the text""Thou, Lord, hast not...
"It is I, be not Afraid. " Extracted from Knox's Admonition to...
... no doubt, he, being a stranger, greatly feared, but only this promise of God made
to him by his holy word, "Fear not, Abraham, I am thybuckler;" that is, thy...
Thesaurus
Buckler (19 Occurrences)... (4.) A lance or spear; improperly rendered "
buckler" in the Authorized Version
(1 Chronicles 12:8), but correctly in the Revised Version "spear.".
...BUCKLER.
...Bucklers (9 Occurrences)
... Bucklers (9 Occurrences). 1 Kings 10:16 King Solomon made two hundred bucklers of
beaten gold; six hundred shekels of gold went to onebuckler. (WEB ASV)....
Shield (65 Occurrences)
... SeeBuckler.... 1 Kings 10:16 King Solomon made two hundred bucklers of beaten gold;
six hundred shekels of gold went to onebuckler. (See NAS RSV NIV)....
Shields (44 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 1 Kings 10:16 King Solomon made two hundred
bucklers of beaten gold; six hundred shekels of gold went to onebuckler....
Armour (32 Occurrences)
... 12:2. Comp. 1 Samuel 25:29). (2.) Of the defensive armour a chief place
is assigned to the shield orbuckler. There were the great...
44760 (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 5:18 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh,
of valiant men, men able to bearbuckler and sword, and to shoot with bow...
Target (14 Occurrences)
... RV, "javelin"). Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) A kind of small shield
orbuckler, used as a defensive weapon in war. 2. (n.) A...
Bekas (3 Occurrences)
... Bekas (3 Occurrences). 1 Kings 10:16 King Solomon made two hundred bucklers of beaten
gold; six hundred shekels of gold went to onebuckler. (See NIV)....
Boss
... 2. (n.) A protuberant ornament on any work, either of different material from that
of the work or of the same, as upon abuckler or bridle; a stud; a knob; the...
Array (63 Occurrences)
... been separated unto David, to the fortress, to the wilderness, mighty of valour,
men of the host for battle, setting in array target andbuckler, and their...
Resources
What is the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16)? | GotQuestions.orgBuckler: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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