In biblical times, the term "darts" refers to small, pointed weapons that were used in warfare and hunting. These projectiles are mentioned in various contexts within the Bible, often symbolizing danger, attack, or the schemes of the enemy. The imagery of darts is used both literally and metaphorically to convey the idea of sudden and piercing threats.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament does not frequently mention darts explicitly, but the concept is closely related to other projectile weapons like arrows and javelins. In ancient warfare, darts were likely used alongside bows and arrows, serving as a means to strike from a distance. The use of such weapons is indicative of the military strategies employed by various nations surrounding Israel.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of darts in a metaphorical sense. In Ephesians 6:16, Paul writes about the "armor of God," encouraging believers to take up spiritual defenses against evil. He states, "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" . The term "flaming arrows" is often understood to include darts, representing the various temptations and attacks from Satan that Christians must guard against.

Symbolism and Interpretation

Darts, as used in the Bible, symbolize the subtle and often unexpected attacks that can come from spiritual adversaries. The imagery of flaming darts or arrows highlights the destructive potential of these attacks, which can inflame passions, incite fear, or sow doubt. The biblical exhortation to use the "shield of faith" underscores the importance of trust in God and reliance on His protection to withstand such assaults.

Spiritual Warfare

The concept of spiritual warfare is central to understanding the metaphorical use of darts in the New Testament. Believers are called to be vigilant and prepared, recognizing that their struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. The armor of God, including the shield of faith, is essential for defending against the fiery darts of the enemy.

Practical Application

For Christians, the mention of darts serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual readiness and the importance of faith. By maintaining a strong relationship with God and being grounded in His Word, believers can effectively counter the attacks that come their way. The imagery of darts encourages vigilance, prayer, and reliance on divine strength to overcome the challenges posed by spiritual adversaries.8456. tazaz -- to strike away
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to strike away NASB Word Usage cut away (1).
darts. A primitive root; to lop off -- cut down. 8455, 8456. tazaz. 8457 . ...
/hebrew/8456.htm - 5k

8455. tothach -- (a weapon) perhaps club, mace
... enterprise, that which thing as it is, substance, sound wisdom, working. From an
unused root meaning to smite; a club -- darts. 8454, 8455. tothach. 8456 . ...
/hebrew/8455.htm - 6k

The Shield of Faith
... EPHESIANS THE SHIELD OF FAITH. 'Above all, taking the shield of faith, whereby ye
shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.'"Ephesians 6:16. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the shield of faith.htm

How Alexander Honored Jonathan after an Extraordinary Manner; and ...
... and ordered him to attack the enemies; but for himself, he charged those that were
with him to cover themselves with their armor, and receive the darts of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how alexander honored.htm

Concerning the Seditions at Jerusalem and what Terrible Miseries ...
... inflict upon them, yet would he not leave off assaulting them, insomuch that there
were continual sallies made one against another, as well as darts thrown at ...
/.../chapter 1 concerning the seditions.htm

Ephesians vi. 14-17
... your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; withal taking up the shield
of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the ...
/.../homily xxiv ephesians vi 14-17.htm

On the Perfection of the Soul, as Drawn from the Comparison of the ...
... "Take," he says "the shield of faith, wherewith ye may be able to quench all the
fiery darts of the evil one." [1448] Faith then is that which intercepts the ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter v on the perfection.htm

How one of the Towers Erected by the Romans Fell Down of Its Own ...
... opposed the Romans very courageously; for they shot at them out of their lighter
engines from those towers, as they did also by those that threw darts, and the ...
/.../chapter 7 how one of.htm

The Armour of God
... The shield, again, guarded those parts of the soldier which the armour did not guard.
It warded off the stones, arrows, and darts" fiery darts often, as St. ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xi the armour of god.htm

What Cestius did against the Jews; and How, Upon his Besieging ...
... wall, and, pelting them with stones, drove them into their houses; but they stood
themselves at proper distances in the towers, and threw their darts at those ...
/.../chapter 19 what cestius did.htm

But, if it Does not Weary You, Let the Point Out as Briefly as ...
... My friends and My neighbours drew near and set themselves against Me:" and again;
"His words were made softer than oil and yet be they very darts." What then ...
/.../20 but if it does.htm

Concerning the Tyrants Simon and John. How Also as Titus was Going ...
... and raise banks against the city; and when he had parted his army into three parts,
in order to set about those works, he placed those that shot darts and the ...
/.../chapter 6 concerning the tyrants.htm

Darts (5 Occurrences)
...Darts (5 Occurrences). Ephesians 6:16 above all, taking up the shield of faith,
with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. ...
/d/darts.htm - 7k

Dart (9 Occurrences)
... "Fiery darts" (Ephesians 6:16) are so called in ... 6. (vt) To throw suddenly or rapidly;
to send forth; to emit; to shoot; as, the sun darts forth his beams. ...
/d/dart.htm - 10k

Quench (14 Occurrences)
... In the New Testament it is also used figuratively, as in Ephesians 6:16 the
shield of faith quenches the fiery darts of the evil one. ...
/q/quench.htm - 12k

Firebrand (3 Occurrences)
... 18 (Comp. Ephesians 6:16), burning darts or arrows (Hebrews zikkim). Noah
Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) A piece of burning wood. 2 ...
/f/firebrand.htm - 9k

Armor (53 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 22:6). Both words are used of the mechanical device known to the Romans as
the testudo employed by the besiegers of a city against the darts and stones ...
/a/armor.htm - 41k

Arms (166 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 22:6). Both words are used of the mechanical device known to the Romans as
the testudo employed by the besiegers of a city against the darts and stones ...
/a/arms.htm - 56k

Absalom (93 Occurrences)
... hair, or more probably his head, was caught in the bough of an oak, and there he
was left suspended till Joab came up and pierced him through with three darts. ...
/a/absalom.htm - 50k

Javelins (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 18:14 Then Joab said, "I'n not going to wait like this with you." He took
three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while ...
/j/javelins.htm - 7k

Laugheth (14 Occurrences)
... sword. (DBY YLT). Job 41:29 Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at
the shaking of a spear. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Psalms ...
/l/laugheth.htm - 9k

Withal (38 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV). Ephesians 6:16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall
be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil 'one'. (ASV). ...
/w/withal.htm - 18k

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