Topical Bible: Arrows: Discharged: from Engines

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In the ancient world, arrows were a common weapon of warfare, often used in conjunction with various engines of war. These engines, sometimes referred to as siege engines or war machines, were designed to launch arrows and other projectiles over long distances, providing a strategic advantage in battle.

The use of arrows discharged from engines is mentioned in the Bible, highlighting the technological advancements in warfare during biblical times. One notable reference is found in 2 Chronicles 26:15, which describes the military innovations of King Uzziah of Judah: "In Jerusalem he made machines, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and great stones. And his fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped until he became strong" .

This passage indicates that Uzziah's engineers developed sophisticated devices capable of launching arrows and stones, enhancing the defensive capabilities of Jerusalem. The use of such engines would have been a significant factor in the protection of the city, allowing defenders to strike at enemies from a distance and with greater force.

The development and deployment of these engines reflect the broader historical context of military innovation in the ancient Near East. As nations sought to expand their territories and defend their cities, advancements in weaponry and military tactics were crucial. The biblical account of Uzziah's engines underscores the importance of technological ingenuity in achieving military success.

Arrows discharged from engines also symbolize the broader theme of divine providence and human ingenuity working in tandem. While the Bible often emphasizes reliance on God's strength and protection, it also acknowledges the role of human skill and innovation in achieving victory. The successful use of these engines by Uzziah's forces can be seen as a testament to the combination of divine blessing and human effort.

In summary, the biblical mention of arrows discharged from engines provides insight into the military practices of ancient Israel and Judah. It highlights the strategic use of technology in warfare and serves as a reminder of the interplay between divine assistance and human ingenuity in the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 26:15
And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and on the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones with. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

John Chapter xii. 27-36
... And if some of his arrows are discharged, and reach ... Nevertheless, whatever engines
of war he may erect against us, so long as he has no more a place in the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate lii john chapter xii.htm

The Burning of Athens.
... to the citadel, and there he had engines constructed to ... This combustible envelopment
of the arrows was set on fire before the weapon was discharged, and a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter x the burning of.htm

The Christian Described
... you see a child attended with so many engines to make ... to make thee a butt for his
arrows; and this ... in the righteousness of him, and stand discharged of guilt ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xii the christian described.htm

The First Theban Empire
... years when the inundation was excessive, the surplus waters were discharged into
the ... uniformity, and men armed with slings, or bows and arrows, lances, wooden ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Then he went on: "Take the arrows," and the king took them; then he said, "Smite ...
fortified in such a way as to be able to defy the military engines of besiegers ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm