Quiver for Arrows
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A quiver is a container used for holding arrows, an essential accessory for an archer in biblical times. The quiver is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, symbolizing readiness for battle, the strength of a warrior, and the blessings of a large family.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 27:3 · In the context of Isaac's blessing, he instructs Esau, "Now then, take your weapons—your quiver and bow—and go out into the field to hunt some game for me." Here, the quiver is part of the equipment necessary for hunting, indicating its practical use in daily life.

2. Psalm 127:4-5 · The psalmist writes, "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." In this passage, the quiver symbolizes the blessing of having many children, likening them to arrows that provide strength and protection for the family.

3. Isaiah 49:2 · The prophet Isaiah speaks of God's preparation and protection, saying, "He made my mouth like a sharp sword; He hid me in the shadow of His hand. He made me like a polished arrow; He hid me in His quiver." Here, the quiver represents God's care and readiness to use His servant for His purposes.

4. Jeremiah 5:16 · Describing the impending invasion by a foreign nation, Jeremiah states, "Their quivers are like an open grave; they are all mighty warriors." The quiver in this context symbolizes the threat and destruction posed by the invaders, emphasizing their preparedness and lethal capability.

5. Lamentations 3:13 · In a lament over suffering, the author writes, "He pierced my heart with arrows from His quiver." This metaphorical use of the quiver conveys the deep emotional and spiritual anguish experienced by the speaker, attributing it to divine action.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the quiver was typically made from leather or wood and was designed to be carried on the back or the hip. It allowed the archer quick access to arrows during hunting or combat. The quiver's capacity varied, but it was generally designed to hold a sufficient number of arrows for the task at hand.

The imagery of the quiver in the Bible often extends beyond its literal use, serving as a metaphor for strength, preparedness, and the blessings of progeny. In a patriarchal society, having many children, especially sons, was seen as a sign of divine favor and security, much like a full quiver provided assurance in battle.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:

The quiver's symbolism in Scripture underscores themes of divine provision, protection, and the importance of being equipped for spiritual and physical challenges. It reflects the biblical worldview that values readiness and reliance on God's strength and blessings. The quiver, as a metaphor, invites believers to consider their own preparedness in faith and the legacy they leave through their children and spiritual offspring.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 27:3
Now therefore take, I pray you, your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison;
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 22:6
And Elam bore the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew
827. ashpah -- a quiver (for arrows)
... 826, 827. ashpah. 828 . a quiver (for arrows). Transliteration: ashpah
Phonetic Spelling: (ash-paw') Short Definition: quiver. Word ...
/hebrew/827.htm - 6k

8522. teli -- a quiver (with its arrows)
... 8521, 8522. teli. 8523 . a quiver (with its arrows). Transliteration:
teli Phonetic Spelling: (tel-ee') Short Definition: quiver. ...
/hebrew/8522.htm - 6k

Library

A Sheaf of Prayer Arrows
... We have here a sheaf of arrows out of a good man's quiver, shot into heaven. This
series of supplications is remarkable in more than one respect. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a sheaf of prayer arrows.htm

At the Well
... We go forth!" he exclaimed. On the camel were hung a shield, a javelin and a quiver
of arrows. Joshua jostled the arrows in their case before answering. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvii at the well.htm

Psalm XI.
... "For, lo, sinners have bent the bow, they have prepared their arrows in the quiver,
that they may in the obscure moon shoot at the upright in heart" (ver.2). ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xi.htm

The Spirit of Power
... The use of our power increases our power. Joash had an unused quiver full
of arrows, and he only smote thrice. 'To him that hath ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the spirit of power.htm

There is a Definite Moment at which the Seed is Ripe...
... The seeds stand together as they ripen, like arrows in a quiver, with their
points downwards, and their feathered shafts straight up. ...
/.../trotter/parables of the christ-life/section 6 there is a.htm

Arria and Her Mother Sat with the Emperor. ...
... There were in the quiver of this Cupid arrows which carried the venom of the asp.
Some at the table mocked his grinning face and made a jest of his deformity. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 5 arria and her.htm

The Best of Masters
... Christ hath not an empty bow, but his quiver is filled with arrows, and every time
he wisheth, he fitteth a blessing on the string and sendeth it to us. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the best of masters.htm

Dilemma and Deliverance
... If all the other arrows of hell could be put into one quiver, there would
not be so much deadly poison in the whole as in this one. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/dilemma and deliverance.htm

Turning Back in the Day of Battle
... Here is this "Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." Here is a quiver,
filled with innumerable arrows, and God has put into our hands the bow of prayer ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/turning back in the day.htm

Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs
... is misery on the land; and into the highest palaces as well as the poorest cottages,
death, the insatiable, is shooting his arrows, while his quiver is still ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/creations groans and the saints.htm

Resources
Does God expect all of us to have children? | GotQuestions.org

What are the Quiverfull and Patriarchy movements? | GotQuestions.org

What is the importance of procreation according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Quiver: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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