MY SHIELD AND BUCKLER

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him – Psalm 18:30

“…His truth shall be your shield and buckler” (Psa.91:4c). Yesterday we likened Divine Defence to the protection of chicks under the wings of the hen, as she shields them from danger, provides safety, and supplies warmth. But unlike the hen’s tender, weak and easily broken wings, God's protection will be “...your shield and buckler” – your double armour of war. The shield and buckler protected the vital parts of the body, especially the heart and head, from the weapon thrusts and arrows of the enemy. The shield is adorned as armour of defence; the buckler is a more formidable, all-surrounding coat of mail.

God’s ‘truth’ does not simply mean the body of revealed words; rather it signifies “His faithfulness” or trustworthiness. That is, God’s faithfulness shall be your shield and buckler. You can trust Him who has given you an inkling of His absolutely dependable character. His Word is His bond. How can a man be encouraged to run into a refuge, unless he is absolutely sure that there is an entrance for him into it, and that, entering, he is safe? That security is provided in the great assurance of God’s trustworthiness: “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a GOD of TRUTH and without injustice, righteous and right is He” (Dt.32:4).

The word ‘shield’ as used here denotes a large shield, planted in the ground in front of the soldier, covering and protecting the whole of his person, however hot the fight, and circling him around, like a wall of iron. The word “buckler” is derived from the verb “to surround,” and is given to this defensive coat of mail because it “surrounds,” and thus “protects” the soldier. In essence, my security and protection are founded on God’s unfailing promises; the certainty that what He has promised to do He will perform. His faithfulness is as a shield and buckler to strengthen, support, and firmly secure my faith! His Truth is my most effectual shield “to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked evil” (Eph.6:16).