buckler

A small circular shield worn on the forearm. It is usually made of a leather-covered frame (wicker, wood, or metal) and provides more mobile protection than the full body shield with which it is always associated. Its main function was to deflect projectiles or blows in hand-to-hand combat. Preparation of buckler and shield was preliminary to advance for battle (Jer 46:3), and bucklers were part of an enemy’s armor that was burned subsequent to defeat in battle (Ezek 39:9; Ezek 23:24; Ezek 38:4). Metaphorically, buckler refers to divine armor defending one in jeopardy (Ps 35:1) and symbolizes God’s faithfulness (Ps 91:4).