Topical Bible: Bow: A Weapon

◄ Bow: A Weapon ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The bow, an ancient and versatile weapon, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing both physical warfare and spiritual metaphors. As a tool of war and hunting, the bow was a crucial instrument in the ancient Near East, including the lands of the Bible.

Historical and Cultural Context

The bow was a primary weapon for many ancient civilizations, including the Israelites, Philistines, and surrounding nations. It was typically made from wood, horn, or a combination of materials, and used in conjunction with arrows. The skill of archery was highly valued, and expert bowmen were considered essential in military campaigns.

Biblical References

The bow is first mentioned in Genesis 21:20, where it is noted that Ishmael, the son of Abraham, "became an archer." This early reference highlights the bow's role in survival and livelihood.

In the context of warfare, the bow is often associated with strength and might. In 2 Samuel 1:18, David laments the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, instructing the people of Judah to learn "the Song of the Bow," underscoring the importance of archery in Israel's military tradition.

The bow also appears in prophetic and poetic literature. In Psalm 7:12-13, the imagery of God preparing His bow is used to convey divine judgment: "If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire."

Symbolism and Metaphor

Beyond its literal use, the bow serves as a powerful symbol in Scripture. It often represents God's power and judgment. In Habakkuk 3:9, the prophet describes God's bow as being "made bare," signifying readiness to execute justice.

Conversely, the bow can symbolize peace when unstrung or broken. In Hosea 1:5, God declares, "On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel," indicating the cessation of military power and impending judgment.

The bow is also used metaphorically to describe human strength and frailty. In Job 29:20, Job reflects on his past vigor, stating, "My glory is ever new within me, and my bow is renewed in my hand."

Spiritual Lessons

The bow's dual representation of strength and vulnerability serves as a reminder of the reliance on divine power rather than human might. In Psalm 44:6, the psalmist declares, "For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me," emphasizing faith in God over reliance on weapons.

In the New Testament, while the physical bow is not mentioned, the spiritual warfare imagery in Ephesians 6:16 speaks of the "shield of faith" to extinguish the "flaming arrows of the evil one," drawing a parallel to the protective and offensive nature of ancient weaponry.

Conclusion

The bow, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted symbol of warfare, divine judgment, and human reliance on God. Its presence in Scripture underscores the importance of both physical and spiritual preparedness, while ultimately pointing to the sovereignty and justice of God.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 21:16,20
And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bow shot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

On the Second Part of the Psalm.
... drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and
to slay such as be of upright heart" (ver.14). "Their weapon shall enter ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/on the second part of.htm

'The Hands of the Mighty God of Jacob'
... and when they have whizzed past him, and he can be seen again, he stands unharmed,
grasping his unbroken bow. The assault has shivered no weapon, has given no ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the hands of the mighty.htm

The General Service to the Venerated and vivifying Cross.
... The height of Christ's passion, the bow and arrow and a sword " an unassailable
weapon and unconquerable power, Christ's footstool and victory over the ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter iii the general service.htm

The Struggle for Life
... spear would pass into the throwing assegai, or the ponderous weapon such as ... and with
greater precision, he sought out mechanical aids"the bow, the boomerang ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter vi the struggle for.htm

That Evening Vergilius Went to Feast with the Young Herodian ...
... Like a flash the bow sprang and the columns of bone beneath him lifted, flinging
his ... He bore with all his strength and rushed away, seizing an other weapon. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 4 that evening vergilius.htm

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... Had he pleased, he might have drawn his bow with all his strength, and sent his
weapon to their hearts with far greater precision that they had ever done to him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

Appendix.
... Him His jealousy for complete armour, and make the creature His weapon for the ...
thunderbolts go abroad, and from the clouds, as from a welldrawn bow, shall they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the general menaion/appendix.htm

Samson Conquered
... them; and seeing there the jaw-bone of an ass, he takes that ignoble weapon, and
sweeps ... is at, and has his mark, speeds to it "Like an arrow from a bow shot by ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/samson conquered.htm

The Sin of Omission.
... the mark, his shot is as total a failure, as when he strains upon the bow-string
with all his force, but owing to an ill-directed aim sends his weapon into the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/shedd/sermons to the natural man/the sin of omission.htm

Psalm LXIV.
... [2516] Where are the lyings in wait of men bending the bow? ... What is the hand,
or what the weapon? what are the arms, or what the limbs? 13. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxiv.htm