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Ephesians 6:13-17 (NLT)


[Emphasis mine.]

Is the fact that these arrows are on fire of any significance?

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As I learned from my pastor a while ago, archers of the time would light their arrows on fire in an attempt to set wooden shields on fire and thus rob soldiers of any significant protection. In response to this, the Romans developed shields that had a gap in between the outer and inner plates. As such, flaming arrows would actually be extinguished by the lack of oxygen in between the wooden plates. Similarly, our faith should be like that; extinguishing the flaming arrows of the evil one and preventing continual damage.

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fascinating history lesson :) –  warren Sep 9 '11 at 19:42
@warren: Oh yes, I love how some bits of the Bible draw from some fascinating history. :D –  El'endia Starman Sep 9 '11 at 19:43
The shield was called a Scutum. The plates were used to prevent the shield from splitting when hit with a sword and did not have a gap. They were covered in leather and linen. To prevent fire arrows, they would soak the shields in water. Other Sources 1 2. Still, nice post! –  Richard Sep 9 '11 at 21:34

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