In biblical times, arrows were a common weapon used for hunting and warfare. The use of arrows against the beasts of the earth is mentioned in several passages, illustrating both the practical and symbolic significance of this practice.

Biblical References:

1. Job 6:4 : "For the arrows of the Almighty are within me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me." While this verse primarily speaks metaphorically of divine judgment and suffering, it reflects the understanding of arrows as instruments of power and precision, capable of striking even the most formidable of creatures.

2. Psalm 91:5 : "You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day." This passage, while emphasizing divine protection, acknowledges the threat posed by arrows, which could be used against both human and animal adversaries.

3. Lamentations 3:12 : "He bent His bow and set me as the target for His arrow." Here, the imagery of arrows is used to convey the idea of being targeted by divine wrath, akin to how hunters might aim at wild beasts.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Israel, arrows were crafted from materials such as wood, with tips made of stone, bone, or metal. They were used by archers in hunting to provide food and protection from wild animals. The skill of an archer was highly valued, as it required precision and strength to effectively discharge arrows at moving targets.

The discharge of arrows at beasts was not only a practical necessity but also carried symbolic weight. It represented the human struggle to assert dominion over creation, as mandated in Genesis 1:28 : "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.'"

Symbolism and Theological Implications:

Arrows, when discharged at beasts, can symbolize the broader theme of divine judgment and protection. In the biblical narrative, God is often depicted as a warrior who uses arrows to execute judgment on His enemies, both human and animal. This imagery serves to remind believers of God's sovereignty and the ultimate accountability of all creation to His will.

Furthermore, the use of arrows against beasts can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual warfare. Just as arrows are used to subdue physical threats, believers are called to use spiritual "weapons" to combat the forces of evil, as described in Ephesians 6:16 : "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."

In summary, the discharge of arrows at the beasts of the earth in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol, reflecting themes of divine judgment, human dominion, and spiritual warfare. Through these narratives, the faithful are reminded of their role in God's creation and the spiritual battles they are called to engage in.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;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Trinidad
... and a country 'fertile and full of fruits, strange beasts and fowls ... dances, the Indians,
at a given signal, discharged a flight of arrows, which killed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter iii trinidad.htm

The Christian Described
... This makes the beasts of this world afraid ... and to make thee a butt for his arrows;
and this ... complete in the righteousness of him, and stand discharged of guilt ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xii the christian described.htm

The Life of Mr. James Renwick.
... of extraordinary executing of judgment, on murdering beasts of prey ... his enemies were
shooting their arrows at him ... Whereupon he discharged a pistol which made the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 6.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... fouls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the ... at the battle of Naseby, or was
discharged, is not ... speaks of, who scatters abroad firebrands, arrows, and death ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The First Theban Empire
... was excessive, the surplus waters were discharged into the ... with slings, or bows and
arrows, lances, wooden ... BAND OF ASIATICS, WITH THEIR BEASTS, BROUGHT FROM ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... when the moon "raised above the earth her luminous ... courage and supernatural help,
since these beasts were believed to ... had he pierced it with his arrows or his ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... whom it is said, He had given him all the kingdoms of the earth (Daniel 5 ... 'I was
almost made, about this time, to see something concerning the beasts that Moses ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Then he went on: "Take the arrows," and the king took them ... races whom He had planted
on the earth: but as ... will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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