The Soldier's Shield

At various times during my life, I have devoted much time and study to this historical period or that. I've entertained a fascination with the Middle Ages, specifically Norman England, and also Ireland of the Middle Ages. I've read everything I could find on the Civil War and turned it into a story of my own. I've studied England during the periods of World War I and II. French and Indian War....American Old West....the Crusades.

In any war from any time, there are two things every soldier or warrior needed: a weapon and a shield.

A shield could be made of wood, leather, or metal. It might simply be a tree trunk to hide behind or an overturned wagon. It might be armor plated.

It protected the soldier from arrows, sword blades, and bullets.

Medieval shields presented a coat of arms. It identified the soldier as part of this man's army. Modern soldiers bear their insignia on the arm.

So, with all of that in mind, what does it mean when David says in Psalm 3 that God is his shield? David was fleeing from his own son, who had raised an army to kill David, his father and king. What a place to be! Not only to have someone trying to kill you and kick you off the throne, but to know it's your own son leading them. Talk about despair and fear! David also says that the people believed God would abandon him.

"But You, O LORD, are a shield about me." vs. 3

You are what I hide behind. You are strong, my defense. You are what will save me. Whatever they throw at me, You'll take it. You are the reason I can be brave.

Weapon and shield. A soldier can have a strong weapon and he can be trained well to use it. But facing an enemy, he'll only get so far without a shield.

Who, or what, are you hiding behind? Who is your shield?