1788、“盾牌”表示保护，免受邪恶和虚假的伤害，这种保护能被信靠。这是显而易见的，无需解释，因为对“耶和华是盾牌和护盾”这句话的反复使用已经使它变得很常见了。至于“盾牌”具体表示什么，这可从圣言清楚看出来，即：论及主，它表示保护；论及人，它表示信靠主的保护。由于“战争”表示试探，如前所示（1664节），所以每种战争武器都表示属于试探，以及防御邪恶和虚假，也就是防御带来试探并进行试探的魔鬼团伙的某个具体方面。因此，“盾牌”是指一回事，“护盾”是指另一回事，“小盾”（target或aegis）又是指一回事，“头盔”是指一回事，“枪”和“矛”是指另一回事，“剑”又是指一回事，“弓和箭”是指一回事，“盔甲”又是指另一回事；关于其中每一样，蒙主的神性怜悯，容后再述。
之所以论及主，“盾牌”表示保护，免受邪恶和虚假的伤害；论及人，“盾牌”表示对主的信靠，是因为盾牌是一种护胸的工具，而“胸”表示良善和真理：因心在胸部而表示良善，因肺在胸部而表示真理。这就是“盾牌”的含义，这一点清楚可见于诗篇：
耶和华我的磐石，是应当称颂的；祂教导我的手争战，教导我的指头打仗；祂是怜悯我的，我的堡垒，我的要塞，我的救星，我的盾牌，是我所信靠的。（诗篇144:1-2）
此处“争战”和“打仗”是指试探的争战和打仗，在内义上是指主的试探的争战和打仗；“盾牌”论及耶和华，是指保护，论及人，是指信靠，这是很明显的。
又：
以色列啊，你要信靠耶和华；祂是他们的帮助和他们的盾牌。亚伦家啊，你们要信靠耶和华；祂是他们的帮助和他们的盾牌。你们敬畏耶和华的，要信靠耶和华；祂是他们的帮助和他们的盾牌。（诗篇115:9-11）
此处意思也一样。又：
耶和华是我的堡垒，我所信靠的神。祂必用自己的翅膀遮盖你，你要把信靠置于祂的翅膀底下。祂的真理是盾牌和护盾。（诗篇91:2，4）
此处“盾牌和护盾”表示保护，免受虚假的伤害。
又：
耶和华是我的岩石，我的堡垒，我的救星，我的神，我所信靠的磐石，我的盾牌，拯救我的角。祂是所有信靠祂之人的盾牌。（诗篇18:2，30）
此处意思也一样。又：
你，察验心肾的，是公义的神。我的盾牌在于神，那拯救心里正直的人的。（诗篇7:9-10）
“盾牌”表示信靠。又：
你把你救恩的盾牌赐给了我，你的右手必扶持我。（诗篇18:35）
“盾牌”表示信靠。又：
地上的盾牌是属神的；祂被大为尊崇。（诗篇47:9）
“盾牌”表示信靠。
又：
耶和华神是日头，是盾牌；耶和华要赐下恩惠和荣耀。祂未尝留下一样好处不给那些行在完全中的人。（诗篇84:11）
“盾牌”表示保护。摩西五经：
以色列啊，你是有福的；谁像你这蒙耶和华拯救的百姓呢？祂是帮助你的盾牌，是你威荣的剑；至于你，你的仇敌必犯错。（申命记33:29）
“盾牌”表示保护。
战争的武器因论及那些处于试探的争战之人，故同样也论及进行攻击和试探的仇敌。当论及后者时，它们表示相反的事物。例如，“盾牌”表示他们用来争战、防御并信靠的邪恶和虚假。如在耶利米书：
你们要预备盾牌和护盾，往前上阵。你们马兵要装备马匹骑上，顶盔站立，磨枪披甲。（耶利米书46:3-4）
此外还有其它许多经文。
New Century Edition
Cooper(2008,2013)
[NCE]1788. The fact that a shield is protection from evil and falsity, which inspires trust, can be seen without explanation; frequent use of the saying "Jehovah is a shield and buckler" has made it a familiar one.{*1} The specific symbolism of a shield, though, can be seen from the Word. In relation to the Lord it symbolizes protection. In relation to human beings it symbolizes trust in his protection. Just as war symbolizes times of trial (as shown in 1664), every weapon of war symbolizes a particular aspect of trial or of defense against evil and falsity. (Defense against evil and falsity is defense against the Devil's horde, the source and agent of our trials.) So a shield symbolizes one thing, a buckler another, an aegis another,{*2} a helmet another, a spear or a javelin another, a sword another, a bow and arrows another, and a corselet another. Each will be discussed later, with the Lord's divine mercy.{*3} [2] The reason a shield symbolizes protection from evil and falsity on the Lord's part, and trust in him on our part, is that it was a way of protecting the chest, and the chest symbolizes goodness and truth. (The chest symbolizes goodness because it contains the heart, and truth because it contains the lungs.) This symbolism of a shield can be seen in David:
A blessing on Jehovah, my towering rock (teaching my hands battle; my fingers, war), my mercy and my fortress, my fortified citadel and my own rescuer, my shield and he in whom I trust. (Psalms 144:1-2)
The battle and war are those of spiritual trial and, in an inner sense here, of the Lord's trials. The shield obviously means Jehovah's protection and humankind's trust in it.
[3] In the same author:
Israel, trust in Jehovah; he is their help and their shield. House of Aaron, trust in Jehovah; he is their help and their shield. All you who fear Jehovah, trust in Jehovah; he is their help and their shield. (Psalms 115:9-10, 11)
The meaning is similar. In the same author:
Jehovah my fortress, my God in whom I will trust, will cover you with his wing, and under his wings you will feel confidence. His truth is a buckler and aegis. (Psalms 91:2, 4)
The buckler and aegis stand for protection from falsity.
[4] In the same author:
Jehovah is my rock and my fortress and my rescuer, My God, my towering rock in which I trust, my shield, and the horn of my salvation. Jehovah is a shield to all who trust in him. (Psalms 18:2, 30)
The meaning is similar. In the same author:
You, who examine hearts and kidneys,{*4} are a just God. My shield [rests] on God, who saves the upright at heart. (Psalms 7:9-10)
The shield stands for trust. In the same author:
You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand will hold me up. (Psalms 18:35)
The shield stands for trust. In the same author:
To God belong the shields of the earth; he has been greatly exalted. (Psalms 47:9)
[5] The shields stand for trust. In the same author:
A sun and shield is Jehovah God; favor and glory Jehovah will grant. Good will not be withheld from those who walk in integrity. (Psalms 84:11)
The shield stands for protection. In Moses:
Blessings are yours, Israel. Who is like you, a people finding salvation in Jehovah, the shield of your help and one who is the sword of your excellence? And your foes will be deceived concerning you. (Deuteronomy 33:29)
The shield stands for protection.
[6] Just as people fighting their inward battles are said to have these weapons of war, so are the enemies that attack and challenge them. In that case, the symbolism of the weapons is the direct opposite. A shield, for instance, is then the evil and falsity that they wield in battle, defend themselves with, and trust in. For example, in Jeremiah:
Arrange shield and buckler, and approach for battle. Harness the horses, and mount, riders, and present yourselves in your helmets; polish your javelins; don your corselets. (Jeremiah 46:3-4)
There are many other passages as well.
Footnotes:
{*1} Although the exact reference Swedenborg is making — whether to proverb or hymn — is not clear, the imagery is common in the Bible. See Deuteronomy 33:29; 2 Samuel 22:3, 31, 36; Psalms 3:3; 5:12; 18:2, 30, 35; 28:7; 33:20; 35:2; 59:11; 84:9, 11; 91:4; 115:9-11; 119:114; 144:2; Proverbs 2:7; 30:5; and compare also Ephesians 6:16. [SS]
{*2} The Latin word here translated "shield" is clypeus, Swedenborg's translation of the Hebrew מָגֵן (māḡēn). "Buckler" is a translation of the Latin scutum, which Swedenborg uses for the Hebrew צִנָּה (ṣinnā); and "aegis," of the Latin parma, which Swedenborg uses for the Hebrew סֹחֵרָה (sōḥērā). The words indicate three types of shield. What is here rendered a "shield" was a shield of average size that protected the chest (as Swedenborg points out in subsection 2 just below). The "buckler" was a larger, full-body shield (see Psalms 5:12) that required twice as much metal to make (compare verse 15 with verse 16 in 2 Chronicles 9). The "aegis" was the smallest and lightest of the three. [JSR, RS]
{*3} The present section is the only one in Secrets of Heaven that treats at length of shields of any kind. Helmets, spears, javelins, and corselets are not treated extensively anywhere in Secrets of Heaven. Swords are discussed in 2799, 7102; bows and arrows, in 2686. [LHC]
{*4} On the kidneys as the seat of the emotions, see note 1 in 348. [Editors]
Potts(1905-1910) 1788
1788. That a "shield" means protection against evils and falsities, which is trusted in, is evident without explication; for from common usage the expression has become familiar that Jehovah is a shield and a buckler. But what is specifically signified by "a shield," may be seen from the Word, in that as regards the Lord it signifies protection, and as regards man, trust in the Lord's protection. As "war" signifies temptations (as before shown, n. 1664), so all the weapons of war signify some specific thing belonging to temptation, and to defend against evils and falsities, that is, against the diabolical crew that induce the temptation, and that tempt. Therefore a "shield" signifies one thing, a "buckler" signifies another, and a "target" another, a "helmet" another, a "spear" and a "lance" another, a "sword" another, a "bow and arrows" another, a "coat of mail" another; concerning each of which of the Lord's Divine mercy hereafter. [2] The reason why a "shield" in relation to the Lord signifies protection against evils and falsities, and in relation to man trust in the Lord; is that it was a protection to the breast; and by the breast good and truth are signified-good because the heart is there, and truth because the lungs are there. That this is the signification of a "shield," is evident in David:
Blessed be Jehovah my rock, who teacheth my hands combat, my fingers war; my mercy and my fortress, my fortified citadel and my deliverer, my shield, and He in whom I trust (Ps. 144:1-2), where the "combat" and "war" are those of temptations, and in the internal sense, the Lord's temptations; the "shield," with reference to Jehovah, is protection; and with reference to man is trust, as is plainly evident. [3] In the same:
O Israel, trust thou in Jehovah; He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust ye in Jehovah; He is their help and their shield. Ye that fear Jehovah, trust in Jehovah; He is their help and their shield (Ps. 115:9-11), where the meaning is similar. Again:
Jehovah is my fortress, my God in whom I trust. He shall cover thee with His wing; and under His wings shalt thou trust; His truth is a shield and a buckler (Ps. 91:2, 4), where "a shield" and "a buckler" denote protection against falsities. [4] Again:
Jehovah is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my strong rock in whom I trust, my shield, and the horn of my salvation. Jehovah is a shield unto all that trust in Him (Ps. 18:2, 30), where the meaning is similar. Again:
Thou that provest the hearts and reins, a just God; my shield is upon God who saveth the upright in heart (Ps. 7:9-10), meaning trust. Again:
Thou hast given me the shield of Thy salvation, and Thy right hand will hold me up (Ps. 18:35), also signifying trust. Again:
The shields of the earth belong unto God; He is greatly exalted (Ps. 47:9), where trust is again meant. [5] Again:
Jehovah God is a sun and a shield; Jehovah will give grace and glory; good shall not be withheld from them that walk in integrity (Ps. 84:11), signifying protection. In Moses:
Thy blessings, O Israel; who is like unto thee, a people saved in Jehovah, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency, and thine enemies shall be mistaken in regard to thee (Deut. 33:29);
"the shield" denoting protection. [6] As weapons of war are spoken of with reference to those who are in the combats of temptations, so also the same weapons of war are attributed to the enemies who assail and tempt, and then they signify the contrary things; thus a "shield" signifies the evils and falsities from which they fight, and which they defend, and in which they trust. As in Jeremiah:
Make ye ready the shield and buckler, and draw near to battle. Harness the horses, and go up, ye horsemen, and stand forth in helmets, furbish the lances, put on the coats of mail (Jer. 46:3-4). Besides many other passages.
Elliott(1983-1999) 1788
1788. That 'a shield' means protection against evils and falsities which is able to be trusted is clear without explanation, for repeated usage has made the saying familiar that 'Jehovah is a shield and buckler'. But what is meant specifically by 'a shield' becomes clear from the Word, namely that in reference to the Lord it means protection, and in reference to man trust in the Lord's protection. As 'war' means temptations, as shown in 1664, so every implement of war means some specific aspect of temptation and of defence against evils and falsities, that is, against the devil's crew who bring temptation about and do the tempting. Consequently 'shield' means one thing, 'buckler' another, 'target' another, 'helmet' another, 'spear' and also 'javelin' another, 'sword' another, 'bow and arrows' another, and 'breastplate' another. In the Lord's Divine mercy these will be dealt with individually later on.
[2] The reason why in reference to the Lord 'a shield' means protection against evils and falsities, and in reference to man trust in the Lord, is that it was a means of protection to the breast, and 'the breast' meant good and truth - good because the heart is within it, and truth because the lungs are within it. That 'a shield' has this meaning is clear in David,
Blessed be Jehovah my rock who trains my hands for battle and my fingers for war; my mercy, and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and He in whom I trust. Ps 144:1, 2.
Here 'battle' and 'war' are the battle and war of temptations, and in the internal sense, of the Lord's temptations. 'A shield' in reference to Jehovah is protection, and in reference to man trust, as is quite evident.
[3] In the same author,
O Israel, trust in Jehovah! He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in Jehovah! He is their help and their shield. You who fear Jehovah, trust in Jehovah! He is their help and their shield. Ps 115:9-11.
Here the meaning is similar. In the same author,
Jehovah is my fortress, my God in whom I will trust. He will cover you with His wing, and under His wings will you put your trust. His truth is a buckler and target. Ps 91:2, 4.
Here 'buckler and target' stands for protection against falsities.
[4] In the same author,
Jehovah is my rock (petra) and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock (rupee) in whom I trust, my shield and the horn of my salvation. Jehovah is a shield for all who trust in Him. Ps 18:2, 30.
Here the meaning is similar. In the same author,
You who test the hearta and reins, a righteous God; my shield is with God who saves the upright in heart. Isa 7:9, 10.
'Shield' stands for trust. In the same author,
You have given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand will support me. Ps 18:35.
'Shield' stands for trust.
[5] In the same author,
The shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted. Ps 47:10.
'Shields' stands for trust. In the same author,
Jehovah God is a sun and shield; grace and glory will Jehovah give; no good thing will be withheld from those walking blamelessly. Ps 84:11.
'Shield' stands for protection. In Moses,
Your blessings, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved in Jehovah, the shield of your help, and One who is the sword of your excellency! Your enemies will be mistaken in regard to you. Deut 33:29.
'Shield' stands for protection.
[6] Even as weapons of war are attributed to those engaged in conflicts brought about by temptations, so also are the same weapons attributed to the enemies assailing and tempting. When attributed to the latter, the contrary meanings held by those weapons is being expressed; for example, 'a shield' in this case means the evils and falsities from which those enemies fight, and which they defend, and in which they put their trust, as in Jeremiah,
Prepare shield and buckler, and advance for battle. Harness the horses, and mount, O horsemen! Take up your stations in your helmets, polish your lances, put on your breastplates. Jer 46:3, 4.
There are many more examples besides these.
Latin(1748-1756) 1788
1788. Quod 'clypeus' sit tutatio contra mala et falsa cui confiditur, constat absque explicatione, nam ex frequenti usu locutio familiaris facta est quod 'Jehovah clypeus et scutum': quid autem in specie per 'clypeum' significatur, constare potest a Verbo, nempe respective ad Dominum tutatio, et respective ad hominem confidentia in tutatione Domini; sicut 'bellum' significat tentationes, ut ostensum n. 1664, ita omnia arma belli aliquid speciale tentationis, et defensionis contra mala et falsa seu contra diabolicam turbam quae inducit tentationem et tentat; quare aliud significat clypeus, aliud scutum, aliud parma, aliud galea, aliud hasta, tum lancea, aliud gladius, aliud arcus et tela, aliud lorica, de quibus singulis, ex Divina Domini Misericordia, in sequentibus: [2] quod 'clypeus' significet respective ad Dominum tutationem contra mala et falsa, et respective ad hominem confidentiam in Domino, causa est quia tutamen pectoris fuit, et per 'pectus' significatum bonum et verum, bonum quia inibi 'cor,' et verum quia inibi 'pulmo'; quod clypeus id significet, constat apud Davidem, Benedictus Jehovah rupes mea, docens manus meas pugnam, digitos meos bellum; misericordia mea, et propugnaculum meum, arx munita mea, et ereptor meus mihi, clypeus meus et in quo confido, Ps. cxliv 1, 2;ubi 'pugna et bellum' est tentationum, et ibi tentationum Domini in sensu interno; 'clypeus' respective ad Jehovam est tutatio, respective ad hominem, confidentia, ut manifeste patet: [3] apud eundem, O Israel, confide in Jehovah, auxilium illorum, et clypeus illorum Ipse: domus Aharonis, confidite in Jehovah, auxilium eorum, et clypeus eorum Ipse: timentes Jehovae, confidite in Jehovah, Hic auxilium eorum, et clypeus eorum Ipse, Ps. cxv 9-11;
similiter: apud eundem, Jehovah... propugnaculum meum, Deus meus Cui confidam;... ala Sua obteget te, et sub alis (x)Suis confides; scutum et parma veritas Ipsius, Ps. xci 2, 4;
ubi 'scutum et parma' pro tutatione contra falsa: [4] apud eundem, Jehovah petra mea, et propugnaculum meum, et ereptor meus, Deus meus, rupes mea, Cui confido, clypeus meus, et cornu salutis meae,... clypeus Jehovah omnibus confidentibus in Ipso, Ps. xviii 3, 31 [A.V. 2, 30];
similiter: apud eundem, Qui probas corda et renes, Deus justus, clypeus meus super Deo salvante rectos corde, Ps. vii 10, 11 [A.V. 9, 10];
pro confidentia: apud eundem, Dedisti mihi clypeum salutis Tuae, et dextra Tua sustentabit me, Ps. xviii 36 [A.V. 35];
pro confidentia: apud eundem, Deo clypei terrae, valde exaltatus est, Ps. xlvii 10 [A.V. 9];
pro confidentia: [5] apud eundem, Sol et clypeus Jehovah Deus, gratiam et gloriam dabit, Jehovah, non prohibebitur bonum ab ambulantibus in integritate, Ps. lxxxiv 12 [A.V. 11];
pro tutatione: apud Mosen, Beatitudines tuae, tu Israel; quis sicut tu, populus salvatus in Jehovah? Clypeus auxilii tui, et qui gladius excellentiae tuae; et fallentur hostes tui tibi, Deut. xxxiii 29;
'clypeus' pro tutatione. Sicut arma belli praedicantur de illis qui in pugnis tentationum sunt, ita quoque eadem arma belli praedicantur de hostibus qui impugnant et tentant, et tunc contraria significant, ut 'clypeus' mala et falsa, ex quibus pugnant, et quae defendunt, et in quibus confidunt; ut apud Jeremiam, Disponite clypeum et scutum, et accedite ad proelium, alligate equos, et ascendite equites, et sistite vos in galeis, expolite lanceas, induite loricas, xlvi 3, 4;
praeter pluries alibi.