Topical Bible: Arrows: Discharged: from a Bow

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Arrows, as discharged from a bow, hold significant symbolism and practical application throughout the biblical narrative. In ancient times, the bow and arrow were essential tools for hunting and warfare, representing strength, precision, and the ability to strike from a distance. The Bible frequently uses the imagery of arrows to convey messages of divine judgment, protection, and the skill of warriors.

Symbolism and Usage in Scripture

1. Divine Judgment and Wrath: Arrows are often depicted as instruments of God's judgment. In Deuteronomy 32:23, God warns of His impending judgment upon Israel, saying, "I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend My arrows against them." This imagery underscores the swiftness and inevitability of divine retribution.

2. Protection and Deliverance: Conversely, arrows can symbolize God's protection over His people. In Psalm 91:5, the psalmist assures believers, "You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day." Here, the arrow represents threats from which God shields the faithful.

3. Skill and Precision of Warriors: The Bible often highlights the prowess of skilled archers. In 2 Samuel 22:15, David recounts God's deliverance, stating, "He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them." This passage illustrates the effectiveness and precision of divine intervention likened to a skilled archer.

4. Metaphor for Children: Arrows are also used metaphorically to describe children. Psalm 127:4-5 states, "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." This metaphor emphasizes the potential and strength that children bring to a family, much like arrows in the hands of a warrior.

5. Prophetic Imagery: In prophetic literature, arrows often symbolize impending doom or deliverance. Jeremiah 50:9 speaks of a coalition against Babylon, "For behold, I will stir up and bring against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the land of the north. They will line up against her; from there she will be captured. Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed."

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, the bow and arrow were crucial for survival and defense. Archers were highly valued in military ranks, and their skill could determine the outcome of battles. The biblical authors, familiar with these realities, employed the imagery of arrows to communicate messages of power, precision, and divine intervention.

Conclusion

The use of arrows discharged from a bow in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of both divine judgment and protection. Whether illustrating the skill of warriors or the blessings of children, arrows convey a range of meanings that resonate with the historical and cultural context of the biblical world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 11:2
For, see, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow on the string, that they may privately shoot at the upright in heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 7:24
With arrows and with bows shall men come thither; because all the land shall become briers and thorns.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Question of Fear and the Answer of Faith
... sittest to-night there are worse than heavy cannons to be discharged at thee ... or how
wilt thou flee, when he shall draw his bow and shoot his arrows at thee ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the question of fear and.htm

The First Christmas Carol
... Ye will not bow before them, and there ye are right ... him when they flash his brightness
in arrows of light ... How many solemn obligations are this hour discharged? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the first christmas carol.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... The musket had recently supplied the place of the bow. ... the incessant volleys of lances
and arrows were accompanied ... Their small arms discharged at the same time ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

The First Theban Empire
... was excessive, the surplus waters were discharged into the ... armed with slings, or
bows and arrows, lances, wooden ... arrow; before he bends his bow the barbarians ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

The Christian Described
... and to make thee a butt for his arrows; and this is ... God can tell how to bow thee
down with guilt and ... in the righteousness of him, and stand discharged of guilt ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xii the christian described.htm

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ...
... the heart, like an arrow from the bow of God ... shafts were most skillfully aimed, and
most vigorously discharged. ... up as a mark for those arrows, (Lamentations 3 ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse vii of the necessity.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... and bending over him, cried out, "My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and
the horsemen thereof!" The prophet bade him take bow and arrows and shoot ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... in close combat with it, and no sooner had he pierced it with his arrows or his ... mace,
and a dagger; the light troops were provided only with the bow and sling. ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... form, before whom every knee should bow, and every ... 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