Buckler

1. A portable shield (2 Sam. 22:31; 1 Chr. 5:18).

2. A shield surrounding the person; the targe or round form; used once figuratively (Ps. 91:4).

3. A large shield protecting the whole body (Ps. 35:2; Ezek. 23:24; 26:8).

4. A lance or spear; improperly rendered “buckler” in the Authorized Version (1 Chr. 12:8), but correctly in the Revised Version “spear.”

The leather of shields required oiling (2 Sam. 1:21; Isa. 21:5), so as to prevent its being injured by moisture. Copper (= “brass”) shields were also in use (1 Sam. 17:6; 1 Kings 14:27). Those spoken of in 1 Kings 10:16, etc.; 14:26, were probably of massive metal.

The shields David had taken from his enemies were suspended in the temple as mementoes (2 Kings 11:10).

ALSO SEE:

• armor
• shield