Question from a friend of WordTruth Ministries:
>> PSALM 91- What is the meaning of Shield and Buckler?
WordTruth.Com Response:
...His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. (Psalm 91:4, KJV)
In this Psalm, the writer praises God who is a refuge for those who believe
in Him. This part of the verse talks of God's truth in the Bible
using the metaphor of a "shield"
and
"buckler".
Interestingly, the word translated "truth" can also be translated "faithfulness."
God's truth is related to His faithfulness in keeping His word to us. So
they are very similar concepts.
The "shield"
is one used by a soldier during that time to protect the body from clubs
and arrows that would otherwise injure or kill him. God's truth "shields"
the believer from harm in a similar manner. For instance, God makes it
clear we are to tell the truth and avoid deceiving others. When we put
this truth into practice, it shields us from the awful consequences of
lying to others. As others practice telling the truth, we are protected
from all sorts of harm that might come from following their deception.
The "buckler"
is from a word in Hebrew that means "surrounding." This refers to a type
of shield that encircled a soldier. Again, this is a picture of how God's
truth can protect the believer completely in every area of your life as
you put it into practice.
Also, consider that God is faithful to keep His word to us. His faithfulness
to fulfill His promises is a "shield",
even a complete surrounding "buckler,"
for our lives. When our LORD Jesus Christ declared, "Seek
first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things [the
needs in your life] shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:31, NKJV).
This most precious promise to the believer says that God will provide for
all the needs of a believer in Christ as he or she seeks to follow God's
will.
Such a provision by our LORD is a wonderful shield that surrounds all
of your life. Remember, you must believe the truth of God for it to have
its effect in your life.
May God bless you with an understanding of His truth and the courage
to believe Him!
Randy Lariscy :-)
Director - WordTruth.Com Ministry
Our Creator God loves you and wants you to know Him! If you would
like to contact this ministry for further information or questions, please
send your e-mail to:
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Web Site: WordTruth.Com
Copyright 5/17/2000, Randy Lariscy.
