Topical Encyclopedia The bow, an ancient and formidable weapon, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a tool of warfare and hunting. Among the various peoples who utilized the bow, the Elamites are specifically noted for their skill and reliance on this weapon. The Elamites, descendants of Elam, the son of Shem (Genesis 10:22), were a significant people group located in the region of present-day southwestern Iran. Their expertise in archery is highlighted in several biblical passages, underscoring their reputation as formidable warriors.In the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, the Elamites are often associated with the bow. The prophet Isaiah, in his oracle against Babylon, mentions the Elamites in the context of a military alliance: "See, I will stir up against them the Medes, who have no regard for silver and no desire for gold. Their bows will strike down the young men; they will have no mercy on infants nor will they look with compassion on children" (Isaiah 13:17-18). Here, the Elamites are implied to be part of the coalition that would bring judgment upon Babylon, with their bows being a key element of their military prowess. Jeremiah also references the Elamites in his prophecies. In Jeremiah 49:35, the Lord declares, "I will shatter Elam’s bow, the mainstay of their might" . This passage highlights the centrality of the bow to Elamite military strength, indicating that their power and influence were significantly tied to their archery skills. The breaking of Elam's bow symbolizes the dismantling of their military capabilities and the subsequent decline of their power. The use of the bow by the Elamites is emblematic of the broader ancient Near Eastern reliance on archery as a critical component of warfare. Bows were typically made from wood, horn, and sinew, and they required significant skill to use effectively. The Elamites, like other ancient cultures, would have trained extensively in archery, making it a defining feature of their military identity. In the biblical narrative, the bow serves as a symbol of strength and warfare, and its association with the Elamites underscores their role as a significant military power in the ancient world. The prophetic pronouncements against Elam, particularly concerning their bow, reflect the broader theme of divine sovereignty over nations and the futility of relying solely on military might. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 49:35Thus said the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might. Nave's Topical Index Library Appendices Ancient Chaldaea The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Rise of the Assyrian Empire Chaldaean Civilization Resources Where was Daniel when his three friends were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's statue? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of namaste? | GotQuestions.org What is the synagogue of Satan in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Bow: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Bow: A Weapon used by the Elamites Bow: A Weapon: David Instructed the Israelites in the Use of, by Writing a War Song To Bow: A Weapon: Made of Brass (R. V.) The Bow of the Tongue of the Wicked The Bow of the Vanquished, Broken and Burned The Bow used Expertly by Benjamites The Bow used Expertly by Elamites The Bow used Expertly by Lydians The Bow used Expertly by Philistines The Bow used Expertly by Sons of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh The Bow: (When Broken) the Overthrow of Power The Bow: (When Deceitful) the Hypocrite The Bow: Called the Battle Bow The Bow: Drawn With Full Force The Bow: Given As a Token of Friendship The Bow: Held in the Left Hand The Bow: Often Furnished by the State The Bow: Sometimes Used in Hunting The Bow: The Jews Taught to Use The Bow: Those Who Used, Called: Archers The Bow: Those Who Used, Called: Bowmen Related Terms |
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