Sling-stones are projectiles used with a sling, a simple yet effective ancient weapon. The sling consists of a pouch and two cords, and it is used to hurl stones with great force and accuracy. Sling-stones are mentioned several times in the Bible, highlighting their significance in ancient warfare and daily life.

Biblical References:

1. David and Goliath: The most famous biblical account involving sling-stones is the account of David and Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17, the young shepherd David uses a sling and a stone to defeat the Philistine giant Goliath. David's choice of weapon underscores his faith in God rather than reliance on conventional armor and weaponry. 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).

2. Military Use: Sling-stones were a common weapon in ancient Israelite warfare. In 2 Kings 3:25, the Israelites are described as using sling-stones to destroy the cities of Moab: "They destroyed the cities, and each man threw a stone on every good field until it was covered. They stopped up all the springs and cut down every good tree. Only Kir-hareseth was left with its stones, but the men armed with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well" .

3. Tribe of Benjamin: The tribe of Benjamin was renowned for its skilled slingers. Judges 20:16 notes, "Among all these soldiers there were seven hundred select left-handed men, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss" . This passage highlights the precision and expertise of the Benjamite slingers, emphasizing their importance in battle.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Sling-stones were typically smooth, round stones selected for their aerodynamic properties. They were often carried in a pouch or bag, as seen in the account of David, who "took his staff in his hand, selected five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag" (1 Samuel 17:40). The use of sling-stones dates back to prehistoric times and was widespread across various ancient cultures.

In biblical times, slings were valued for their simplicity, low cost, and effectiveness. They allowed soldiers to engage the enemy from a distance, providing a tactical advantage. The skill required to use a sling effectively was considerable, and expert slingers were highly regarded in military contexts.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:

The use of sling-stones in the Bible often symbolizes faith, divine intervention, and the triumph of the seemingly weak over the strong. David's victory over Goliath serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to deliver His people through unexpected means. The account illustrates the principle that faith and reliance on God can overcome formidable obstacles, as David declares, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37).

Sling-stones, therefore, are not only historical artifacts but also carry deep spiritual significance, representing the power of faith and God's providence in the lives of His people.7050a. qela -- a sling
... a sling. Transliteration: qela Short Definition: sling. Word Origin from qala
Definition a sling NASB Word Usage sling (5), slingstones* (1). 7050, 7050a. ...
/hebrew/7050a.htm - 5k

68. eben -- a stone
... differing weights (3), hailstones* (4), jeweler* (1), lapis lazuli* (1), line*
(1), plumb line (1), plumb* (1), rock (2), rocks (1), slingstones* (1), stone ...
/hebrew/68.htm - 6k

Playing on the Harp Before Saul.
... He was a good musician, knew how to sling stones at a mark, and was so brave that
when a lion and a bear came to attack the lambs of his flock he went after ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/playing on the harp before.htm

Use what You Have.
... He combined all he had, sling, stones, skill, and faith, and the laughing, sneering
giant is soon under his feet, and feeling the edge of his own sword. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/use what you have.htm

Concerning those who Come in the Name of Christ the Terrible Signs ...
... Hear what is predicted in Zechariah: "The Lord of hosts [5024] shall protect them;
and they shall devour them, and subdue them with sling-stones; and they ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxxix concerning those who come.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Slingstones (3 Occurrences)
... Job 41:28 The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him ... of Hosts
doth cover them over, And they consumed, and subdued sling-stones, Yea, they ...
/s/slingstones.htm - 7k

Sling-stones (2 Occurrences)
Sling-stones. Slingstones, Sling-stones. Slink . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Slingstones, Sling-stones. Slink . Reference Bible
/s/sling-stones.htm - 7k

Sling (11 Occurrences)
... There were 700 Benjamites who were so skilled in its use that with the left hand
they "could slingstones at a hair breadth, and not miss" (Judges 20:16; 1 ...
/s/sling.htm - 12k

Lefthanded (2 Occurrences)
... The other instance is that of the 700 selected Benjamites, who, though lefthanded,
"could slingstones at a hair-breadth, and not miss" (Judges 20:16; of 1 ...
/l/lefthanded.htm - 8k

Left-handed (3 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men left-handed;
everyone could slingstones at a hair-breadth, and not miss. ...
/l/left-handed.htm - 8k

Drenched (11 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 9:15 Yahweh of Armies will defend them; and they will destroy and overcome
with slingstones; and they will drink, and roar as through wine; and they ...
/d/drenched.htm - 10k

Miss (7 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men left-handed;
everyone could slingstones at a hair-breadth, and not miss. ...
/m/miss.htm - 10k

Boisterous (5 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 9:15 Yahweh of Armies will defend them; and they will destroy and overcome
with slingstones; and they will drink, and roar as through wine; and they ...
/b/boisterous.htm - 8k

Arrow (34 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Job 41:28 The arrow can't make him flee. Slingstones are like chaff
to him. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Psalms ...
/a/arrow.htm - 17k

Stubble (18 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Job 41:28 The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones
are turned with him into stubble. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/s/stubble.htm - 15k

Why did David choose five smooth stones before going to fight Goliath? | GotQuestions.org

Who was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who killed Goliath, David or Elhanan? | GotQuestions.org

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