In biblical times, the term "dart" refers to a light javelin or spear used primarily as a weapon in warfare. The dart was a common implement in ancient military arsenals, valued for its ability to be thrown with precision and speed. It is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing swiftness, danger, or the suddenness of attack.

Biblical References:

1. Job 41:29 : In the description of Leviathan, a creature of immense strength and invulnerability, the dart is mentioned to emphasize the futility of human weapons against it: "A club is regarded as straw, and he laughs at the rattling of the lance." Here, the dart is part of the imagery illustrating the creature's imperviousness to conventional weapons.

2. 1 Samuel 18:11 : The narrative of Saul and David provides an example of the dart as a weapon of personal combat. Saul, in a fit of jealousy and rage, attempts to pin David to the wall with his spear: "And Saul hurled it, thinking, 'I will pin David to the wall.' But David eluded him twice." Although the term "spear" is used here, the Hebrew word can also be understood as a dart or javelin, highlighting the weapon's role in close-quarters combat.

3. 2 Samuel 18:14 : Joab, the commander of David's army, uses darts to kill Absalom, David's rebellious son: "Joab said, 'I will not wait like this for you.' So he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through Absalom’s heart while he was still alive in the oak tree." The use of darts here underscores their effectiveness in delivering a swift and decisive blow.

Symbolic Usage:

In addition to its literal use, the dart is employed metaphorically in Scripture to convey spiritual truths. The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Ephesians, uses the imagery of a dart to describe the spiritual attacks believers face:

· Ephesians 6:16 : "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 "flaming arrows" or "fiery darts" represent the temptations and trials that Satan hurls at believers. The shield of faith is depicted as the necessary defense against these spiritual assaults, emphasizing the need for vigilance and trust in God's protection.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, the dart was a versatile weapon, often used by skirmishers and light infantry. Its design allowed for both throwing and thrusting, making it suitable for various combat scenarios. The dart's lightweight construction enabled soldiers to carry multiple darts, providing them with several opportunities to strike their enemies from a distance before engaging in hand-to-hand combat.

The use of darts in biblical narratives reflects the broader military practices of the time, where agility and speed were as crucial as strength and armor. The dart's presence in Scripture serves as a reminder of the ever-present dangers faced by God's people, both physically and spiritually, and the divine provision available to overcome them.Numbers 25:7
And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand;
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 18:10
And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came on Saul, and he prophesied in the middle of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul's hand.
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2 Samuel 18:14
Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus with you. And he took three darts in his hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while he was yet alive in the middle of the oak.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 41:29
Darts are counted as stubble: he laughs at the shaking of a spear.
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Sleep Not
... But at the earth we dart our winged desire,. ... We would be living pillars of light
and fire, but we ... How easily that strong hand with that sharp javelin would have ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/sleep not.htm

What was the leviathan? | GotQuestions.org

Dart: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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