Definition and Description:
Slinging refers to the ancient practice of using a sling, a simple weapon consisting of a pouch and two cords, to hurl stones or other projectiles. The sling was a common tool in biblical times, used both in warfare and for shepherding. It required skill and precision, as the user would swing the sling in a circular motion and release one of the cords to launch the projectile at high speed.

Biblical References and Context:
The most famous biblical account of slinging is the account of David and Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17, David, a young shepherd, faces the Philistine giant Goliath. Rejecting the conventional armor and weapons offered by King Saul, David chooses instead to rely on his sling and five smooth stones from a brook. In 1 Samuel 17:49 , it is written, "Then David reached into his bag and took out a stone, and he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground." This account highlights the effectiveness of the sling in the hands of a skilled user and underscores the theme of divine providence and faith in God over reliance on human strength and weaponry.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
Slingers were an integral part of ancient armies, valued for their ability to strike from a distance. The tribe of Benjamin was particularly noted for its skilled slingers. Judges 20:16 mentions, "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 illustrates the precision and expertise of Benjamite slingers, who were capable of remarkable accuracy.

Symbolism and Lessons:
The use of the sling in the Bible often symbolizes faith, reliance on God, and the triumph of the seemingly weak over the strong. David's victory over Goliath is frequently interpreted as a demonstration of God's power working through those who trust in Him, regardless of their apparent inadequacies or the might of their adversaries. The sling, a humble and unassuming weapon, becomes a tool of divine deliverance, emphasizing that God can use the ordinary to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

Practical Applications:
In a spiritual sense, the concept of slinging can be applied to the Christian life as a metaphor for spiritual warfare. Just as David selected his stones carefully and relied on his skill and faith, believers are encouraged to equip themselves with the Word of God and trust in His strength to overcome challenges. Ephesians 6:17 speaks of the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," reminding Christians to be prepared and to rely on divine wisdom and guidance in their daily battles.

Conclusion:
The practice of slinging, while a historical and cultural reality in biblical times, carries rich spiritual symbolism and lessons for believers today. Through the account of David and Goliath and other references, the Bible illustrates the power of faith and the importance of relying on God rather than human strength.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sling.7049a. qala -- to sling, hurl forth
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to sling, hurl forth NASB Word Usage sling
(2), slinging (1), slung (1). 7049, 7049a. qala. 7049b . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7049a.htm - 5k

Use what You Have.
... running brook. He had skill in slinging stones, a keen trained eye, a
steady nerve, a practiced arm, and well-knit muscles. But ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/use what you have.htm

A Description of the Roman Armies and Roman Camps and of Other ...
... a wall, and is adorned with towers at equal distances, where between the towers
stand the engines for throwing arrows and darts, and for slinging stones, and ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of.htm

How Moses Conquered Sihon and Og Kings of the Amorites, and ...
... Now the Hebrews pursued them briskly, and obstinately persevered in the labors they
had already undergone; and being very skillful in slinging, and very ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how moses conquered.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... he has found us warriors improvised from the Lord's sheepfold, untaught in logical
warfare, and thinking it no detriment to be so, but simply slinging our plain ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ...
... hundred thousand against them, while the Benjamites' army-was twenty-five thousand
and six hundred; five hundred of whom were excellent at slinging stones with ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how after the.htm

How to Read the Bible
... them down: our Lord wishes us to be good slingers, and he puts up some precious
truth in a lofty place where we cannot get it down except by slinging at it; and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/how to read the bible.htm

Slinging (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Sling. Multi-Version
Concordance Slinging (4 Occurrences). Judges 20:16 among all ...
/s/slinging.htm - 7k

Slinging-stones (1 Occurrence)
Slinging-stones. Slinging, Slinging-stones. Slings . Multi-Version
Concordance Slinging-stones (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles ...
/s/slinging-stones.htm - 6k

Bows (28 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and
the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were ...
/b/bows.htm - 15k

Sling (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and
the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were ...
/s/sling.htm - 12k

Uzzi'ah (26 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 26:14 And Uzziah prepared for them, even for all the host, shields,
and spears, and helmets, and coats of mail, and bows, and stones for slinging. ...
/u/uzzi'ah.htm - 13k

Jonathan (109 Occurrences)
... to the throne (1 Samuel 13:2). Like his father, he was a man of great strength and
activity (2 Samuel 1:23), and excelled in archery and slinging (1 Chronicles ...
/j/jonathan.htm - 59k

Left-handed (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and
the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow; they were ...
/l/left-handed.htm - 8k

Right-handed (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and
the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow; they were ...
/r/right-handed.htm - 7k

Equipped (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and
the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were ...
/e/equipped.htm - 11k

Mail (11 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 26:14 Uzziah prepared for them, even for all the army, shields, and
spears, and helmets, and coats of mail, and bows, and stones for slinging. ...
/m/mail.htm - 11k

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