Ephesians 6:16

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, &c.] Which may be understood either of the grace of faith, which is like a golden shield, precious, solid, and substantial; and like a shield of mighty men, by which mighty things are done, and by which the believer not only repels, but conquers the enemy. The Jews say f84, that repentance and good works are as a shield against divine vengeance: or rather of the object of faith, that which faith makes use of as a shield; so God himself is a shield, (<011501>Genesis 15:1); his divine perfections, as his power, faithfulness, truth, and immutability, which encompass the saints as a shield, and are opposed by faith to the temptations of Satan; also the love…”

“Above all--rather, "Over all"; so as to cover all that has been put on before. Three integuments are specified, the breastplate, girdle, and shoes; two defenses, the helmet and shield; and two offensive weapons, the sword and the spear (prayer). ALFORD translates, "Besides all," as the Greek is translated, Luk 3:20. But if it meant this, it would have come last in the list (compare Col 3:14). shield--the large oblong oval door-like shield of the Romans, four feet long by two and a half feet broad; not the small round buckler. ye shall be able--not merely, "ye may." The shield of faith will certainly intercept, and so "quench, all the fiery darts" (an image from the ancient fire-darts, formed…”

“Above all - Ἐν πᾶσιν En pasin. Not “above all” in point of importance or value, but “over” all, as a soldier holds his shield to defend himself. It constitutes a protection over every part of his body, as it can be turned in every direction. The idea is, that as the shield covered or protected the other parts of the armor, so faith had a similar importance in the Christian virtues. The shield - note, Isaiah 21:9. The shield was usually made of light wood. or a rim of brass, and covered with several folds or thicknesses of stout hide, which was preserved by frequent anointing. It was held by the left arm, and was secured by straps, through which the arm passed, as may be seen in the annexed…”

“Above or over all - As a sort of universal covering to every other part of the armour itself, continually exercise a strong and lively faith. This you may use as a shield, which will quench all the fiery darts, the furious temptations, violent and sudden injections of the devil. Ephesians 6:17”

“6:16 Faith is trust in Christ as Savior or trust in God to meet one’s needs in evil times. • fiery arrows: Paul graphically pictures the nature of temptation to sin (cp. Matt 6:13; 26:41; 1 Cor 10:13; Jas 1:12-15). Arrows were sometimes dipped in pitch and ignited before being shot.”

“the shield: The θυρεος \[Strong's G2375\] was a large oblong shield, or scuta, like a door, θυρα \[Strong's G2374\], made of wood and covered with hides. Gen 15:1; Psa 56:3, Psa 56:4, Psa 56:10, Psa 56:11; Pro 18:10; Co2 1:24, Co2 4:16-18; Heb 6:17, Heb 6:18; Heb 11:24-34; Pe1 5:8, Pe1 5:9; Jo1 5:4, Jo1 5:5 to quench: Th1 5:19 Ephesians 6:17”