Topical Bible: Bow: A Weapon of Wood

◄ Bow: A Weapon of Wood ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The bow, a weapon crafted primarily from wood, is a significant instrument in biblical narratives, symbolizing both physical warfare and spiritual metaphors. In ancient times, the bow was an essential tool for hunting and combat, reflecting the skill and strength of its wielder. The Bible references the bow in various contexts, illustrating its importance in the lives of biblical figures and its symbolic meanings.

Historical and Practical Use

The bow, often accompanied by arrows, was a primary weapon for many ancient Near Eastern cultures, including the Israelites. It was typically made from a flexible piece of wood, sometimes reinforced with animal sinew or horn to increase its strength and elasticity. The bow's design allowed for the launching of arrows with significant force and accuracy, making it a formidable weapon in battle.

In Genesis 21:20, the Bible notes that Ishmael, the son of Abraham, "became an archer," highlighting the bow's role in survival and skill development. Similarly, the tribe of Benjamin was renowned for its skilled archers, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:2, where they are described as being able to "shoot arrows and sling stones with either hand."

Symbolic and Spiritual Significance

Beyond its practical use, the bow carries symbolic weight in Scripture. It often represents God's power and judgment. In Habakkuk 3:9, the prophet describes God's readiness for battle: "You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows." This imagery underscores God's might and preparedness to execute justice.

The bow also symbolizes divine promises and covenants. In Genesis 9:13, God sets a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenant with Noah, declaring, "I have set My bow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth." Here, the bow is a reminder of God's mercy and faithfulness, contrasting its typical association with warfare.

Metaphorical Usage

The bow is used metaphorically to describe human strength and frailty. In 2 Samuel 1:18, David laments the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, instructing the people to learn "the Song of the Bow," a tribute to their prowess and valor. Conversely, Psalm 37:15 warns that "their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken," illustrating the futility of relying solely on human strength against divine justice.

Prophetic Imagery

Prophetic literature often employs the bow to convey messages of hope and restoration. Zechariah 9:13 speaks of God using Judah as His bow and Ephraim as His arrow, promising victory over enemies. This imagery reassures the faithful of God's ultimate triumph and the restoration of His people.

Conclusion

The bow, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a multifaceted symbol of strength, judgment, covenant, and hope. Its presence in Scripture reflects the realities of ancient life while also conveying deeper spiritual truths about God's relationship with humanity.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 39:9
And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the hand staves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Struggle for Life
... the throwing assegai, or the ponderous weapon such as ... he sought out mechanical
aids"the bow, the boomerang ... or construct them from frameworks of wood and skins ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter vi the struggle for.htm

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... bow with all his strength, and sent his weapon to their ... themselves, empty your quivers
on me, let your bow-strings be worn out, and let the wood be broken ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... sat down on the ground about the large wood fire, while ... and knew how to use the sword,
bow, club, sling ... the body of the giant, and having no weapon except his ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

The Evil one Perceived his Great Humiliation, and Boasted Himself ...
... all; I have armed myself with every weapon, and have ... Wrath like a bow rained shafts;
boldness railed upon Him ... sowing; but the wild boar of the wood devours his ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xl the evil one.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... of flint,[*] sabres and clubs of bone or wood variously shaped ... desirable precision.[**]
The plain or triple curved bow was the favourite weapon for attack ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Dilemma and Deliverance
... When Satan has used up every other weapon, he always ... appears on the bank, takes out
his bow and shoots ... We have a foundation of wood, hay, straw, and stubble. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/dilemma and deliverance.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... which was of a single piece of wood, was bent ... the loins: he went into battle with
bent bow, the string ... Wherever he had gone, weapon in hand, "seeking a warrior ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Appendices
... 138. beneath them I piled up reeds, cedar-wood and herbs. 139. ... He made ready the
bow and used it as his weapon; he made the club swing, he fixed its seat ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

Another Royal Procession
... men's hearts as the trees of the wood are shaken ... small curds, and yet with that slight
weapon he chased ... themselves, and the most stout-hearted bow their necks ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/another royal procession.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... it, "and he made it known that the bow would henceforth be his distinctive weapon.". ...
there some sweet-smelling rushes, some cedar-wood, and storax ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm