God’s name, Jehovah Magen, means God our shield and protector. Another facet of God being a shield occurs in the gift of faith which He has given us. Romans 12:3 tells us God has given each person a measure of faith. Faith is a vital component in our relationship with God. We are warned of this in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.”
Ephesians 6:16 describes and gives instructions regarding faith, "above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts (arrows) of the wicked one (satan).”
To better understand the importance of the shield of faith, it is helpful to look at the necessity of a shield to soldiers in biblical times. It was not an optional piece of equipment and no soldier would go into battle minus his protective shield. Without his shield, he knew there was nothing between him and his opponent, leaving him defenseless. The shield was the size of a door, which would completely cover the soldier. It was made of several layers of thick animal hide, woven together, making it strong as steel. Soldiers would rub oil into their shield every day. If the oil was not applied on a daily basis, the shield would crack and when hit by an arrow, break into pieces, causing it to be useless. The oil is representative of the Holy Spirit. Without a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit’s power in our daily life, our faith will become hard and brittle, rather than long-lasting and durable.
Before a soldier went to battle, he soaked his shield in water. This was to ensure the flaming arrows of the enemy would be extinguished when they hit the shield. The saturating water on the shield is symbolic of God’s Word washing us. (Ephesians 5:26) Just as the soldier saturated his shield with water, we are to keep our faith saturated by the washing of the Word of God. When we are not filled with God’s Word, satan can plant thoughts or “arrows” of anger, anxiety, unbelief, and worry in our mind. Because these thoughts, or lies, are contrary to God’s Word, they may cause us to be filled with doubt, allowing us to become an easy target.
Let’s take another look at Ephesians 6:16…” above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts (arrows) of the wicked one (satan).”
Above all means to position over. The shield of faith is meant to be out in front, completely covering and protecting us from harm.
Taking the shield of faith indicates we can pick it up or lay it down. It is entirely our choice. When we choose not to walk in faith we are vulnerable, exposing ourselves to the enemy’s attacks. When we choose to walk in faith, we are covered and protected.
During biblical times, arrows were a deadly form of weaponry. Often they were dipped in tar and set on fire before being released. The arrow could also be filled with a flammable liquid causing it to explode on impact. The shield was able to quench all the fiery darts (arrows) of the wicked one, because it was saturated with water which did not allow the arrows to burn. Today these fiery darts represent attacks from satan, which target our emotions. The saturating water on the shield is symbolic of God’s Word washing us. (Ephesians 5:26) Just as the soldier saturated his shield with water, we are to keep our faith saturated by the washing of the Word of God.
When our shield of faith is well oiled by the Holy Spirit, out in front covering all, and saturated with the Word of God, it will extinguish every temptation and fire- bearing arrow the enemy tries to send our way. Our faith positions us to be in line with God and His Word. First Peter 1:5 tells us, “ And through your faith, God is protecting you by His power.”
Father, we praise Your holy name and thank you for the gift of faith You have given each one of us. We thank You that it shields and protects us. I pray we would continue to allow Your Word and the Holy Spirit to wash over and empower us.
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