In biblical times, the concept of a "target" as a defensive military arm is closely associated with shields and protective gear used by soldiers in battle. The term "target" in the context of ancient warfare often refers to a small shield or buckler, which was an essential part of a soldier's defensive equipment. These defensive tools were crucial for protection against the offensive weapons of the enemy, such as arrows, spears, and swords.

The Bible provides several references to the use of shields and similar defensive equipment. In 1 Samuel 17:7, we read about Goliath's armor, which included a shield-bearer who went before him: "The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield-bearer went before him." This indicates the importance of shields in providing protection during combat.

In 1 Kings 10:16-17, King Solomon's wealth and military strength are highlighted by the number of shields he made: "King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. The king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon." These shields, while possibly ceremonial, underscore the significance of defensive arms in the military strategies of Israel.

The spiritual metaphor of a shield is also prevalent in Scripture, symbolizing God's protection over His people. In Psalm 18:2, David declares, "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 shield represents divine protection and security, illustrating the broader spiritual application of military defense.

Furthermore, in Ephesians 6:16, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to take up the "shield of faith" as part of the full armor of God: "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." This passage emphasizes the defensive nature of faith in the spiritual battles faced by Christians, drawing a parallel to the physical shields used in warfare.

The use of targets or shields in biblical times reflects the broader theme of reliance on God's protection and the importance of being prepared for both physical and spiritual battles. The imagery of a shield as a defensive tool is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, serving as a reminder of the need for both physical and spiritual readiness in the face of adversity.1 Samuel 17:6
And he had greaves of brass on his legs, and a target of brass between his shoulders.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A Discourse
... nothing but armour, and men at arms, to maintain ... so it was accoutered with such military
materials as ... makes with Antichrist is rather defensive than offensive. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

What is laminin? Is there any significance to laminin being in the shape of a cross? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about pacifism? | GotQuestions.org

What is the origin and meaning of the Celtic cross? | GotQuestions.org

Arms: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus