In the context of ancient warfare as depicted in the Bible, a shield-bearer was an essential figure, often serving as an armor-bearer or attendant to a warrior, particularly those of high rank or significant status. The role of the shield-bearer was to carry the shield and other weapons of their master, providing protection and support during battle. This position required loyalty, strength, and courage, as the shield-bearer was often in the thick of combat alongside their master.

The Hebrew term for shield-bearer is "נֹשֵׂא צִנָּה" (nose tzinah), which directly translates to "one who carries a shield." The shield-bearer was responsible for ensuring that the warrior was adequately equipped and protected, allowing the warrior to focus on offensive maneuvers. This role is mentioned in several key biblical narratives, highlighting its importance in the military structure of ancient Israel and surrounding nations.

One of the most notable references to a shield-bearer is found in the account of David and Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17:7, the Bible describes Goliath's shield-bearer: "His spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield-bearer went before him." This passage illustrates the shield-bearer's role in leading the way and providing a defensive barrier for the warrior, in this case, the formidable Philistine giant, Goliath.

Another significant mention of a shield-bearer is in the account of Jonathan, the son of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 14:6-7, Jonathan speaks to his armor-bearer, saying, "Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few." His armor-bearer responds with unwavering support, "Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul." This exchange highlights the close relationship and trust between a warrior and his shield-bearer, as well as the shield-bearer's role in encouraging and supporting their leader.

The role of the shield-bearer also extends beyond physical protection. In 2 Samuel 18:15, during the battle against Absalom, it is noted that Joab's armor-bearers played a crucial role in the defeat of Absalom: "And ten young men who carried Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, struck him, and killed him." This passage demonstrates that shield-bearers could also participate actively in combat, executing strategic actions that contributed to the battle's outcome.

In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of a shield-bearer can be seen as a metaphor for divine protection and support. The Psalms frequently describe God as a shield for His people, emphasizing His role as a protector and defender. For instance, Psalm 3:3 states, "But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head." This imagery reinforces the idea that just as a shield-bearer provides physical protection in battle, God offers spiritual and emotional security to those who trust in Him.

The role of the shield-bearer, therefore, is multifaceted, encompassing physical defense, strategic support, and a deeper symbolic representation of divine protection. Through the narratives of the Old Testament, the shield-bearer emerges as a vital component of ancient warfare and a powerful symbol of loyalty and faithfulness.1. (n.) One who, or that which, carries a shield.

2. (n.) Any small moth of the genus Aspidisca, whose larva makes a shieldlike covering for itself out of bits of leaves.

6793c. tsinnah -- (large) shield
... an unused word Definition (large) shield NASB Word Usage buckler (3), bucklers
(1), large shield (3), large shields (3), shield (7), shield-bearer* (1), shield ...
/hebrew/6793c.htm - 5k

5375. nasa -- to lift, carry, take
... 5), raised (13), receive (2), receive* (2), receives (1), regard (1), released*
(1), respected* (1), rise (2), rose (5), sets (1), shield-bearer* (1), shield ...
/hebrew/5375.htm - 8k

David's victory Over the Giant
... The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and the head of his iron spear
weighed about twenty pounds; and his shield-bearer went before him. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/davids victory over the giant.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... Asiatics placed three men in a chariot, but the Egyptians only two; the
warrior"sinni"whose business it was to fight, and the shield-bearer"qazana"who ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The victory of Unarmed Faith
... How graphically the contrast is drawn between him and Goliath, as the latter conies
forth swelling with his own magnificence, and preceded by his shield-bearer ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the victory of unarmed faith.htm

The Story of David, the Shepherd Boy
... feet high; and he wore armor from head to foot, and carried a spear twice as long
and as heavy as any other man could hold; and his shield bearer walked before ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of david the.htm

Of Certain Deities Peculiar to Barbarians, and their Sacred Rites ...
... relates that Jupiter, when fighting against the Titans, used the hide of this goat
as a shield, from which circumstance he is called by the poets shield-bearer ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxi of certain deities peculiar.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... between his shoulders. The staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam,
and his shield-bearer went before him. This champion sent ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... The occupants of a chariot were three in number"the driver; the shield-bearer, whose
office it was to protect his companions by means of a shield, sometimes ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Matt. xix. 1
... him on, and refrained from the murder, and sent him away both safe and well; and
as though he had been rather a body guard of his, and a shield-bearer, not an ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxii matt xix 1.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Shield-bearer (2 Occurrences)
Shield-bearer. Shield, Shield-bearer. Shield-carrier . Noah Webster's Dictionary ...
Multi-Version Concordance Shield-bearer (2 Occurrences). ...
/s/shield-bearer.htm - 7k

Shield-carrier (1 Occurrence)
Shield-carrier. Shield-bearer, Shield-carrier. Shielded . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See NAS). Shield-bearer, Shield-carrier. Shielded . Reference Bible
/s/shield-carrier.htm - 6k

Chariot (102 Occurrences)
... fatigue. The ordinary chariot was made of wood and leather, and had only
two occupants, the fighting man and his shield-bearer. ...
/c/chariot.htm - 55k

Shield (65 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:7 The staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head
weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his shieldbearer went before him. ...
/s/shield.htm - 28k

Weighed (44 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:7 The staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head
weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his shieldbearer went before him. ...
/w/weighed.htm - 20k

Weaver's (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:7 The staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head
weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his shieldbearer went before him. ...
/w/weaver's.htm - 8k

Bearer (23 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:7 The staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's head
weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his shieldbearer went before him. ...
/b/bearer.htm - 14k

Armorbearer (11 Occurrences)
... 31:4). David became Saul's armor-bearer for a time, and Jonathan's armor-bearer
was a man of resource and courage (1 Samuel 14:7). The shield-bearer was a ...
/a/armorbearer.htm - 11k

Armor-bearer (15 Occurrences)
... 31:4). David became Saul's armor-bearer for a time, and Jonathan's armor-bearer
was a man of resource and courage (1 Samuel 14:7). The shield-bearer was a ...
/a/armor-bearer.htm - 12k

Shaft (13 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver's beam; and his spear's
head weighed'six hundred shekels of iron: and his shield-bearer went before ...
/s/shaft.htm - 13k

What is the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16)? | GotQuestions.org

What is an armor-bearer? Should there be a church position of armor-bearer? | GotQuestions.org

Why are there contradictory accounts regarding the death of Saul in 1 and 2 Samuel? | GotQuestions.org

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