Dear Readers,
Continuing with the armor of God series, we are on to the shield of faith.
Ephesians 6:16 "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."
What is faith? Prophets in the Book of Mormon taught: "And now, as I said concerning faith - faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if you have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." (
Alma 32:21). "And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (
Ether 12:6). Thus we see that faith is a hope, or trust, in unseen things that are true.
This truth is not the relativistic truth, which differs from individual to individual. Instead, this truth is God's truth, "And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come." (
Doctrine and Covenants 93:24). This truth is ultimate, universal truth.
Knowing that faith is hope or trust in things that aren't seen but are ultimately true, we can talk about shields. There are various types of shields, each with its own symbolism. It is also interesting to see the evolution of shields. In
ancient Israel, they had two main types of shields the magen which is a small, round buckler, and the more often used sinnah. The sinnah was more like a square shield the height of a man, heavy, and would rest on the ground. In battle, one Israelite would hold the shield while another, usually a pikeman or romah wielder, would attack from the side. In this way we see the trust required, for the pikeman is relying on the shield holder for protection while the shield holder relies on the pikeman for protection from the flanks or sides.
It is also interesting to note that the word "sinnah" later represents a siege mantlet, which consists of two shields set on wheels with a pivot bar, allowing them to be stationary or become mobile. Thus symbolizing both steadfastness in our faith, being planted on the foundation of Christ, and moving forward towards our goals.
While closer to Christ's time the
Romans had interestingly similar shields. The parma were round like the magen, but larger than a buckler, and also rather flat, besides the metal boss or umbo in the center. This hard protruderence then allows the shield to be used to also push back against the foe.
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| Spartan Phalanx from 300 |
However, the clipeus was used more near the end of the Roman Empire. These shields were modeled after the Greek aspis made famous by the use of Spartan phalanx in the movie
300. In this formation, the shield covers thigh to neck of the person to their left. This symbolizes how we need to use our faith to help our neighbor.
As with the parable of the 10 virgins (
Mathew 25:1-13), we cannot give someone our faith, or the oil in our lamps, but it can provide light and an example so that we can be prepared for ourselves, and encourage others to obtain light or oil for themselves.
Yet the clipeus is different from the aspis in a visual dynamic. This shield usually has the impression or etching of a Roman god upon its face. It is essential that we remember who we must have faith in, God the Eternal Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They are the ones who protect us because of our faith, and who also act upon our behalf,
Lastly there is the Roman Legionaire scutum. Again, like the sinnah of ancient Israel, it was a tall rectangular shield. When used in the testudo or tortoise formation it protected the soldiers from forward attacks as well as projectiles from above, quite similar to a turtle retreating into its shell.
In the evolution of shields, there is that growing need to be protected from all sides. The great Adversary of all is tricky, and attacks us in our blind sides, wherever we are the weakest. This is why, I personally, like to think of the shield of faith like a personal forcefield.
Like an energy shield made of plasma, ideally, it protects from all sides.
However, we can't forget the previous lessons: it is God who gives us this power and strength to protect ourselves, we need to use our faith to reach out and help others as well as ourselves, we have the ability to not only defend but push back against the foe, that we may push through the adversary's lines and reach our goal of returning to our Father in Heaven.
No wonder the CTR (Choose the Right) rings became so popular among Latter-day Saints. The idea that using our faith to choose righteousness simplifies all theses ideas. For, if we choose to do what is right, then we we are pressing forward towards God, moving through and past the temptations that try to distract us and lead us away, and help others along our journey home.
Also, the shape of the CTR shield reminds me of the shields on the newer US pennies. Inscribed on this shield is the United States motto "E Pluribus Unum" which is Latin for "Out of Many, One". It serves as a reminder that thought the North American States were many, they have become one nation. Likewise, though there are many believers, as we come together in truth and faith, we become one church, one body of Christ (
Romans 12:5).
Lastly, what does it mean to "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked"? To quench means to put out a fire, usually using water. Like quenching a thirst, it satisfies and cools. Usually, I have thought of this "quenching" like the shield spell in Dungeons and Dragons.
This shield protects against some attacks, but it completely nullifies a powerful spell called magic missile. I have imagined our spiritual battle in a similar way, a forcefield that quenches fiery "magic missile" darts making them vanish as they strike the barrier.
However, it is unlikely that this is what was originally visualized with this scripture. For in Christ's time, fiery darts would be more like arrows lit on fire with oil. Their flames would be quenched by lack of air, such as being embedded in a wooden shield. It does not say that the arrows won't come, nor that we won't feel the impact, but it does say that the fire will be quenched, removing the sting, pain, and suffering that would otherwise befall us if we were not protected.
It is also important to note that the scripture could have said arrows, but instead it said darts. Small projectiles, just as Satan and the wicked take small jabs at us, poking and prodding for our weaknesses.
May we take up our shields of faith, trusting in God, and quench these darts, that we may be strong enough to return home to our God and our Savior Jesus Christ. In His name, amen.
Love,
Jacobugoth
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