### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sheleṭ**, represented by `{{H7982}}`, is a term for a **shield**. According to its base definition, it likely refers to a shield's function of controlling or protecting a person. It is a specific term, appearing just **7 times** in **7 unique verses**, typically in a military or ceremonial context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H7982}}` consistently refers to a physical piece of armor. It is mentioned as military equipment being prepared for battle, as when the prophet Jeremiah commands to "gather the **shields**" in preparation for an assault on Babylon [[Jeremiah 51:11]]. King David captured "the **shields** of gold" from the servants of Hadadezer as spoils of war and brought them to Jerusalem ([[2 Samuel 8:7]], [[1 Chronicles 18:7]]). These same shields, once belonging to David, were later stored in the temple and distributed to captains by the priest Jehoiada ([[2 Kings 11:10]], [[2 Chronicles 23:9]]). The term is also used to describe decorative armor, as the men of Arvad "hanged their **shields** upon thy walls round about" [[Ezekiel 27:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the military context of `{{H7982}}`:
* `{{H4043}}` **mâgên**: This is another word for **shield**, also translated as buckler. It appears alongside `{{H7982}}` to describe the armaments on the tower of David, which held "a thousand **bucklers**, all **shields** of mighty men" [[Song of Solomon 4:4]]. Unlike `{{H7982}}`, `{{H4043}}` is often used figuratively to describe God as a protector [[Genesis 15:1]].
* `{{H2595}}` **chănîyth**: This word for **spear** or javelin often appears with terms for shields to describe a full set of weaponry. King David's armaments stored in the house of God included both **spears** and **shields** [[2 Chronicles 23:9]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{H7982}}` itself is not used in a directly theological way, its context provides some significant points.
* **Symbol of Military Power:** The word is used to represent a nation's strength and readiness for war. Shields are gathered for attack [[Jeremiah 51:11]] and hung on walls as a sign of a city's defense and beauty [[Ezekiel 27:11]].
* **Spoils of God-Given Victory:** The "shields of gold" that David took from Hadadezer's servants and brought to Jerusalem represent the tangible results of a successful military campaign [[1 Chronicles 18:7]].
* **Sacred Armaments:** The fact that King David's shields were kept in the "temple of the LORD" [[2 Kings 11:10]] or "house of God" [[2 Chronicles 23:9]] links these instruments of war to the history of God's covenant with David and the protection of his lineage.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7982}}` **sheleṭ** is a concrete and specific term for a physical shield. It functions within the biblical text as an item of warfare, a trophy of victory, and a symbol of military might. Though not used metaphorically like its counterpart `{{H4043}}` **mâgên**, its presence in the temple and its connection to King David imbue it with a sense of historical and sacred importance, representing the instruments used in the fulfillment of God's purposes on earth.
TRV