Topical Bible: Shield: Made of Brass (Bronze)

◄ Shield: Made of Brass (Bronze) ►

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In biblical times, the shield was an essential piece of military equipment, providing protection to warriors in battle. Shields were crafted from various materials, including wood, leather, and metals. Among these, shields made of brass, or more accurately, bronze, hold particular significance in the biblical narrative.

Material and Craftsmanship

Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was a common material for crafting shields due to its durability and strength. The use of bronze allowed for a sturdy yet relatively lightweight shield, capable of withstanding the impact of weapons. The process of creating a bronze shield involved skilled craftsmanship, as the metal had to be carefully smelted and shaped to provide maximum protection while remaining manageable in combat.

Biblical References

The Bible makes several references to shields made of bronze, highlighting their importance in the military practices of ancient Israel and surrounding nations. One notable mention is found in 1 Kings 14:27, where King Rehoboam replaces the gold shields taken by the Egyptians with bronze shields: "So King Rehoboam made bronze shields to replace them and assigned these to the commanders of the guard on duty at the entrance to the royal palace."

This passage underscores the symbolic and practical value of bronze shields. While gold shields represented wealth and splendor, bronze shields were a testament to resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

In the biblical context, shields often symbolize protection and divine safeguarding. The use of bronze, a metal associated with strength and endurance, further emphasizes this symbolism. The shield serves as a metaphor for God's protection over His people, as seen in passages like 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."

The transition from gold to bronze shields in Rehoboam's reign can also be interpreted as a spiritual lesson. It reflects the consequences of turning away from divine guidance and the need for repentance and reliance on God's enduring protection, rather than on material wealth and human strength.

Conclusion

Shields made of brass (bronze) in the Bible are more than mere artifacts of ancient warfare; they carry deep spiritual and symbolic meanings. They remind believers of the importance of divine protection and the strength found in faith. As physical shields protected warriors in battle, so too does God offer His protection to those who seek refuge in Him, providing a shield of faith that withstands the trials and challenges of life.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 14:27
And king Rehoboam made in their stead brazen shields, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, which kept the door of the king's house.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... is not uncommon on ancient altars; Servius describes a shield dedicated on ... spindle,
and slippers of Tanaquil, and brass clypea or medallions, made of money ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter ii pagan shrines and.htm

The Seventh Book
... been made a mixture before me of brass and iron ... shame to cloak their action, without
the shield of modesty ... through the city, the general consent made it common ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

Imperial Tombs.
... as paved with marble, enclosed with brass railings, and ... The excavations were made
at the expense of cardinal ... marble statue of Minerva, with a shield in the ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... levelled ready to let fly, while the shield-bearer, clinging ... a conical roof; some
of them were made of closely ... each leg eighteen rings of solid brass as thick ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... rudely decorated after the Mycenean manner, for jewellery, and for the bronze swords
which ... must have been thankful for the good fortune which had made them see ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... and its affluents, and that other detachments had installed themselves in the oases
of Margiana and Khorasmia, while the Iranians would have made their way up ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... to whom were added a body of charioteers made up of ... the coat of scale mail and the
helmet of brass; their weapons ... and a large and heavy sword of bronze or iron ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm