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By William Van Zyl
Published 5 April 2025.
This is a birthday article.
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The dust swirled around David’s feet as he tightened his grip on the worn leather strap of his buckler. The small, round shield—scarred from past battles—trembled slightly in his hand, but not from fear. His other hand clenched the hilt of his short sword, its blade glinting under the harsh sun. The enemy before him was ruthless; his weapon raised, eyes locked with deadly intent. This was no mere skirmish; this was a battle of survival. Heart pounding, David exhaled, his voice steady yet fierce as he declared,
“He is my Shield and Buckler. My Rock, my High Tower. In Him, I will trust.”
The words rang out like steel meeting steel, a declaration of faith sharper than any blade. His enemy trembled. With a sudden burst of movement, he raised his buckler, ready to deflect the strike, knowing that his true defence was not in bronze or iron—but in the God who had never failed him.
The enemy lunged forward, thrusting his spear with deadly precision. But David was as quick as lightning. He wielded his buckler with a swift, practised motion, deflecting the spear’s tip and sending it off course. Seizing the moment, he stepped in close, using the edge of his buckler to smash into his opponent’s chest. The force of the blow sent the enemy sprawling to the ground, dust rising in a cloud around them. David stood over him, sword poised, his eyes blazing with unwavering determination.
“The battle is the Lord’s,” he whispered, his voice a mix of reverence and resolve.
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Table of Contents
What on earth is a buckler?
A buckler is a small, round shield (usually about 8-18 inches [200 to 450 mm] in diameter) used in close combat. Unlike larger shields, it was lightweight and designed for agility, allowing a warrior to deflect attacks, trap an opponent’s weapon, or even strike back. The buckler was held in one hand, often paired with a sword or another weapon, and required skilful manoeuvring to block and counter an enemy’s blows. Because of its versatility, it was a crucial tool for quick, defensive actions in fast-paced, hand-to-hand combat.
David is wielding his metal buckler – a small shield for close combat. AI-generated (Gemini).
Spiritual Application of the Buckler
In Psalm 91:4, King David says, “His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” This suggests that, spiritually, God provides both broad protection (like when using a shield) and close, agile defence (like when using a buckler).
Note that my focus in this article is not on a shield but a buckler. A shield protects the entire body, such as when the enemy (Satan and his hordes) shoots darts and fiery arrows at us. In the Bible, the “fiery arrows” or “fiery darts” of the enemy are mentioned in Ephesians 6:16: “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” These arrows symbolise the various attacks and temptations Satan uses to try to lead believers astray.
However, let’s focus on the buckler. In spiritual battles, the buckler represents God’s truth, which helps believers defend against temptation, deception, and attacks from the enemy. Just as a buckler requires skill and agility in battle, believers must actively wield God’s truth through Scripture, prayer, and faith. I am sure if you are a born-again Christian, you use a buckler daily.
Here is an example of using a buckler as the enemy tempts you to lie.
Using a BUCKLER during the day: “Temptation to Lie.”
- Situation: You are tempted to lie to avoid getting into trouble at work.
- Response: Recall Proverbs 12:22: “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in trustworthy people.” This can encourage you to be honest, even if it’s difficult. Use your buckler (the Word/your voice) to deflect the enemy’s sword or spear.
- Here is another scripture you can use as a buckler daily: Proverbs 2:7: “He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.” For example, a quick prayer: “God, please give me wisdom for this situation?” He will not disappoint you.
One of my favourite sayings. This buckler will enable you to knock the enemy off his feet.
“The Truth Shall Set You Free.”
I include a couple more ‘BUCKLER’ verses:
- Psalm 18:2: “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
- Psalm 91:4: “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
- Proverbs 2:7: “He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.”
- 2 Samuel 22:31: “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all who trust in him.”
- Psalm 35:2: “Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help.”
IMAGE: A visually appealing depiction of a scene from ancient times, rendered in a style reminiscent of classical Greek pottery. David, a muscular young man with short, dark hair and wearing a simple chiton, stands braced against an unseen enemy. He holds a short, bronze sword in his right hand and a small, round buckler in his left. His expression is fierce yet determined. The background is muted, suggesting a dusty landscape under a clear sky. The lighting is dramatic, highlighting the details of the figures and their weapons. AI- generated. Credit: Canva.
How to Use a Spiritual Buckler in Everyday Life
- Quick Deflection of Lies: When negative thoughts or temptations arise, immediately counter them with Scripture. (Example: If fear arises, respond with 2 Timothy 1:7, “God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind.”). Use your words.
- Daily Readiness: Just as a warrior keeps his buckler at hand, believers must stay spiritually alert by maintaining a strong prayer life and regularly reading God’s Word. Quote His Word when an attack or situation arises. Rise early in the morning, read the Word, and start the day with prayer. Your buckler will be in your hand throughout the day, ready to defend and attack.
- Active Faith: A buckler is not passive—it requires movement. Faith must be exercised daily through trust in God and obedience to His Word. Listen to the small voice and act on it. Remember, the buckler can be wielded. Push the enemy out of the way. Use your mouth. “Get behind me, Satan!” “If God is for me, who can be against me.”
- Standing Firm in Trials: When faced with hardship, use the buckler of truth to stand firm, remembering God’s promises and refusing to be shaken by circumstances.”I refuse to be moved by this challenging situation and this adversity; I will not allow this pressure to get to me. I will stay the course. I will do what the WORD says.” “The Holy Spirit will give me wisdom. I will act on it.” “God, teach me Your ways as I go through this valley of the shadow of death.”
By keeping God’s truth close, like a warrior gripping his buckler, believers can stand firm in spiritual battles, ready to counter every attack with faith, wisdom, and God’s Words. Quick, short bursts will deter and defeat the Devil and his wiles.
“Knock the enemy off his feet.”
Copyright © 2025 by William Van Zyl
My Buckler.
All rights reserved. This eBook/article or any portion
thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner
without the publisher’s permission, except for using brief quotations in a book review.
Published by Five House Publishing (New Zealand)
First Publishing, April 2025
More eBooks and articles are available at https://fivehousepublishing.com/
More about the author at http://williamvanzyl.com/
