Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the skill of throwing stones was a significant and respected ability, often associated with warfare and defense. This skill is highlighted in several passages throughout the Scriptures, demonstrating its importance in ancient Israelite culture and military practice.One of the most famous biblical accounts involving the skillful use of stones is the account of David and Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17, David, a young shepherd, confronts the Philistine giant Goliath. Armed with only a sling and five smooth stones, David demonstrates remarkable precision and faith. The text states, "David put his hand into the bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground" (1 Samuel 17:49). This account underscores the effectiveness of stone-throwing when combined with divine guidance and courage. The tribe of Benjamin was particularly noted for their expertise in using slings. Judges 20:16 describes the Benjamites as having "seven hundred select troops who were left-handed, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss" . This passage highlights the precision and skill that could be achieved with practice and training, making these warriors formidable opponents in battle. In 2 Kings 3:25, the Israelites demonstrate their strategic use of stones in warfare. During a campaign against Moab, they "overthrew the cities, and on every good piece of land each man threw a stone until it was covered" . This tactic not only showcases the use of stones as weapons but also as tools for rendering enemy territory unusable. The skill in throwing stones was not limited to warfare but also served as a means of protection and survival. Shepherds, like David, often used slings to protect their flocks from predators. The ability to accurately throw stones was a valuable skill for those living in rural and pastoral settings. In Proverbs 26:18-19, the act of throwing stones is used metaphorically to describe reckless behavior: "Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows, so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, 'I was only joking!'" . This proverb warns against the careless use of one's skills or words, drawing a parallel to the potential harm caused by indiscriminate stone-throwing. Overall, the biblical references to stone-throwing reflect a broader cultural and historical context where such skills were essential for survival, defense, and warfare. The narratives and descriptions found in Scripture illustrate the significance of this practice in the lives of the ancient Israelites, serving as a testament to their resourcefulness and reliance on God's providence. Nave's Topical Index Judges 20:16Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men left handed; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 12:2 Library How one of the Towers Erected by the Romans Fell Down of Its Own ... That the Miseries Still Grew Worse; and How the Romans Made an ... Our Reception at Hwochow A Description of the Roman Armies and Roman Camps and of Other ... Vespasian, when He had Taken the City Gadaea Marches to Jotapata. ... The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty Concerning Peaceableness How Titus Gave Orders to Demolish the Tower of Antonia and Then ... Concerning the Seditions at Jerusalem and what Terrible Miseries ... The Nile and Egypt Resources Is it possible for gold dust to come down during a church service? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is God going to give us a white stone with a new name? | GotQuestions.org What is an altar? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Stones of Christ, "A Tested Stone" "A Precious Stone" "A Sure Foundation, " Stones of Christ, the Water of Life Stones of Christ's Rejection, the Rejected Conerstone Stones of Temptation, "Stone of Stumbling" Stones of the Impenitent Heart Stones of the Witness of the Spirit, the White Stone Stones used for Closing Graves Stones used for Weighing (Margin) Stones used in Building Altars Stones: Commandments Engraved Upon Stones: Great, As Landmarks (Some Hebrew Mss Have "Abel") Stones: Great, in Solomon's Temple Stones: Hewers (Stone-Cutters) of Stones: Magnificent, in Herod the Great's Temple Stones: Precious in the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Precious in the Crowns of Kings Stones: Precious: Exported from Sheba Stones: Precious: Partial Catalogue of Stones: Precious: Seen in the Foundation of the New Jerusalem in John's Apocalyptic Vision Stones: Precious: Voluntary offerings of, by the Israelites for the Breastplate and Ephod Stones: Prepared in the Quarries Stones: Symbolical of the Kingdom of Christ Stones: The Law of Moses Written Upon Stones: Thrown Upon Accursed Ground Related Terms |
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