The term "bowshot" appears in the context of biblical narratives to describe a specific distance, particularly in relation to archery. In the ancient world, archery was a common skill, and the distance a bow could shoot was a practical measure of space. The term is used in the Bible to convey a sense of distance that would have been easily understood by the original audience.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to "bowshot" is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in the account of Hagar and Ishmael. After being sent away by Abraham, Hagar and her son Ishmael wander in the wilderness of Beersheba. When their water runs out, Hagar, in despair, distances herself from her son to avoid witnessing his death. The text states:

"And she went and sat down across from him, about a bowshot away, for she said, 'Do not let me see the boy die.' And as she sat there, she lifted up her voice and wept." (Genesis 21:16)

In this passage, "bowshot" is used to describe the distance Hagar placed between herself and Ishmael. This distance is significant as it reflects both a physical and emotional separation, highlighting Hagar's anguish and desperation. The use of "bowshot" provides a vivid image of the space, suggesting a distance that is close enough to see but far enough to feel detached.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, the bow was a crucial weapon for hunting and warfare. The distance a bow could shoot varied depending on the type of bow and the skill of the archer, but it generally ranged from several hundred feet to over a thousand feet. The term "bowshot" would have been a familiar measure of distance to the original audience of the biblical text, much like how we might use "a stone's throw" today.

The use of "bowshot" in Genesis 21:16 not only provides a practical measure of distance but also serves to enhance the narrative by emphasizing Hagar's isolation and the dire circumstances she and her son faced. It underscores the human element of the account, as Hagar's actions are driven by her maternal instincts and deep emotional turmoil.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the account of Hagar and Ishmael, including the mention of "bowshot," illustrates themes of divine providence and care. Despite Hagar's despair and the apparent hopelessness of her situation, God hears the cries of Ishmael and provides for them. This narrative demonstrates God's compassion and faithfulness, even to those who are marginalized or in distress.

The use of "bowshot" in this context can also be seen as a metaphor for the distance between human despair and divine intervention. While Hagar feels separated and alone, God's presence and provision are not limited by physical distance. This serves as a reminder of God's omnipresence and His ability to bridge the gap between human suffering and divine salvation.

Conclusion:

The term "bowshot" in the Bible is more than just a measure of distance; it is a narrative device that enriches the account of Hagar and Ishmael. It provides insight into the cultural context of the time and underscores the emotional and theological dimensions of the biblical account.(n.) The distance traversed by an arrow shot from a bow.BOWSHOT

bo'-shot: Found only in Genesis 21:16 in the account of Hagar and her child: "And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot," literally "stretchings of a bow," a typical oriental way of indicating distance.

2909. tachah -- to hurl, shoot
... to hurl, shoot. Transliteration: tachah Phonetic Spelling: (taw-khaw') Short Definition:
bowshot. ... root Definition to hurl, shoot NASB Word Usage bowshot* (1). ...
/hebrew/2909.htm - 5k

7198. qesheth -- a bow
... Word Origin perhaps from qush Definition a bow NASB Word Usage archers* (3), arrows
(1), bow (54), bowman* (1), bowmen (1), bows (13), bowshot* (1), rainbow (1 ...
/hebrew/7198.htm - 6k

Compassion for Souls
... "She went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot;
for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/compassion for souls.htm

The Swift Decay of Love
... a frightful contradiction of that grey altar and the twelve encircling stones which
they had so lately reared, and which stood unregarded, a bowshot off, as a ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the swift decay of love.htm

Chapter xxi
... was spent, and she cast the lad under one of the bushes, and she went and seated
herself opposite him making the distance about that of a bowshot, for she said ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxi.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

Bowshot (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BOWSHOT. ...Bowshot (1 Occurrence). Genesis 21:16 And she
went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot. ...
/b/bowshot.htm - 7k

Bows (28 Occurrences)

/b/bows.htm - 15k

Bow-shot (1 Occurrence)
Bow-shot. Bowshot, Bow-shot. Bowstring . Multi-Version Concordance Bow-shot
(1 Occurrence). ... (DBY JPS WBS YLT). Bowshot, Bow-shot. Bowstring . Reference ...
/b/bow-shot.htm - 6k

Hagar (15 Occurrences)
... When the water was spent, Hagar, unable to bear the sight of her boy dying from
thirst, laid him under a shrub and withdrew the distance of a bowshot to weep ...
/h/hagar.htm - 22k

Ephesus (20 Occurrences)
... It was also a sanctuary for the criminal, a kind of city of refuge, for none might
be arrested for any crime whatever when within a bowshot of its walls. ...
/e/ephesus.htm - 24k

Bowshot: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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