They chose new gods] i. e. They worshipped the heathen idols, which was the cause why God plagued them with all these miseries of war, Judg. 2. 10. and 4. 1. was there a shield] i. e. Surely there were none, because the enemies had disarmed them. See 1 Samuel 13:19; 1 Samuel 13:22. or else they were grown so cowardly, that they durst not use their weapons in their defence, nor so much as let them come in sight.