In biblical literature, the term "steel" is often used to describe a material of great strength and resilience. The phrase "bows of steel" appears in the context of illustrating divine empowerment and the extraordinary capabilities granted by God to His chosen servants. This imagery is particularly evocative, as it conveys the idea of strength and might beyond human limitations.

The primary reference to "bows of steel" is found in 2 Samuel 22:35 and its parallel passage in Psalm 18:34. In these verses, David, the anointed king of Israel, attributes his military prowess and success to the Lord's intervention and support. The Berean Standard Bible translates these passages as follows:

2 Samuel 22:35 : "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze."

Psalm 18:34 : "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze."

In these passages, the term "bronze" is used in the BSB translation, which aligns with the Hebrew word "נְחוּשָׁה" (nechosheth), often translated as "bronze" or "copper." However, in older translations, such as the King James Version, the term "steel" is used, reflecting the understanding of the time regarding strong metals.

The metaphor of bending a bow of steel or bronze signifies the supernatural strength and skill imparted by God to David. In the ancient world, bows made of metal would have been rare and highly valued for their durability and power. Thus, the ability to bend such a bow would indicate exceptional strength and divine favor.

This imagery is consistent with the broader biblical theme of God equipping His people for the tasks He sets before them. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as the source of strength and victory for His followers. In the case of David, his military successes and his ability to overcome formidable enemies are attributed to God's direct intervention and empowerment.

The concept of "bows of steel" also serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles faced by believers. Just as David was equipped for physical warfare, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared, relying on God's strength to overcome the challenges and adversities of life. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Ephesians 6:10-11 : "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes."

In summary, the biblical reference to "bows of steel" or "bows of bronze" symbolizes the extraordinary strength and capability granted by God to His servants. It underscores the theme of divine empowerment and the belief that with God's help, believers can achieve feats beyond their natural abilities.2 Samuel 22:35
He teaches my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by my arms.
Nave's Topical Index

Job 20:24
He shall flee from the iron weapon, and the bow of steel shall strike him through.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 18:34
He teaches my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by my arms.
Nave's Topical Index

The Northern Iron and the Steel
... busy in fashioning new weapons with which to assail us, but the Lord will break
their bows and cut ... The iron will never break the northern iron and the steel. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the northern iron and the.htm

The Adventures of Saint James of Spain.
... then came the Shah, guarded by a hundred tawny Moors, with bows, and darts ... heard
it proclaimed that the Shah would give a corselet of finest steel, inlaid with ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter six the adventures of.htm

Saint George Kills the Enchanter Osmond.
... attendants in comely attire, with silver coronets on their heads, and silver bows
in their ... of rock, a huge giant in his iron coat, with a mace of steel in his ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter thirteen saint george kills.htm

Silent Worship.
... 3 He knows to bend the heart of steel, He bows the loftiest soul; O'er
all we think and all we feel, How matchless his control! ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/464 silent worship.htm

Psalm 18
... set me on my high places. ^34Mine hands to war he taught, mine arms. brake bows
of steel in pieces. ^35The shield of thy salvation. thou didst on me bestow: ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 18.htm

Saint George Releases the Six Champions.
... The Prince made the politest of bows, and said he was completely under the ... his breast;
she laced on his helmet, and completely clothed him in glittering steel. ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter two saint george releases.htm

'The Hands of the Mighty God of Jacob'
... enemies, and from the hand of Saul': 'He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow
of steel is broken ... Their arrows are on the string, their bows drawn to the ear ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the hands of the mighty.htm

Trinidad
... bucklers, the first Columbus had seen in the New World; and bows and arrows ...
along'"in ruff and trunk hose, possibly too in burning steel breastplate, most ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter iii trinidad.htm

The Adventures of Saint Patrick of Ireland.
... tall and straight trees of cocoa-nut and pine, with iron or steel points, which ... handed
swords hung with brazen chains by their sides, and long-bows and quivers ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter nine the adventures of.htm

Turning Back in the Day of Battle
... "The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day
of battle.""Psalm 78:9. ... Through bars of brass and triple steel.". ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/turning back in the day.htm

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