Bible Dictionary
Buckler
A buckler was a shield used for personal or bodily protection, ranging from a small portable shield to a larger defensive shield. Scripture also uses the image of a buckler for God’s protection of those who trust Him.
Definition
A buckler is a shield used for personal or bodily protection. The word may refer to a portable shield, a round shield surrounding the person, or a large shield protecting the whole body. One occurrence translated “buckler” properly means spear.
Biblical Usage
God is called a buckler or shield to those who trust Him. Scripture also uses shields as images of protection and records their military and memorial uses.
Historical Background
Leather shields required oiling to protect them from moisture. Copper and massive metal shields were also used, and shields taken from enemies could be hung in the temple as memorials.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(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). (See ARMOUR, SHIELD.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>buk'-ler: God is called a "buckler" (the Revised Version (British and American) "shield") to them that trust Him (Ps 18:2,30; 2Sa 22:31; Pr 2:7).</p><p>See ARMOR.</p>