Arrows of Devices of the Wicked
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In biblical literature, arrows often symbolize the attacks and schemes of the wicked, representing both physical and spiritual threats. The imagery of arrows is used throughout Scripture to convey the danger and harm that the wicked can inflict upon the righteous. This entry explores the metaphorical use of arrows in the Bible, particularly as they relate to the devices of the wicked.

Biblical References

1. Psalm 11:2 · "For behold, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart." This verse illustrates the covert and malicious intent of the wicked, who prepare their attacks in secret, aiming to harm those who are righteous and upright.

2. Psalm 64:3-4 · "who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear." Here, arrows symbolize the destructive power of words. The wicked use deceit and slander as weapons, launching verbal attacks that can wound as deeply as physical arrows.

3. Proverbs 25:18 · "Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor." This proverb equates false testimony with a sharp arrow, emphasizing the severe damage that lies and deceit can cause to individuals and communities.

4. 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 the New Testament, Paul uses the imagery of flaming arrows to describe the spiritual attacks from the devil. The shield of faith is presented as the defense against these fiery darts, highlighting the importance of faith in spiritual warfare.

Symbolism and Interpretation

Arrows, in the context of the devices of the wicked, symbolize the various forms of attack that the unrighteous employ against the faithful. These can be direct physical threats, as well as more insidious forms of harm such as lies, slander, and spiritual temptations. The use of arrows as a metaphor underscores the precision and intent behind these attacks, as well as their potential to cause significant harm.

The Bible consistently portrays the wicked as those who plot and scheme against the righteous, often using deceit and treachery as their weapons. The imagery of arrows serves to remind believers of the reality of these threats and the need for vigilance and reliance on God's protection.

Defense Against the Arrows

Scripture provides guidance on how to defend against the arrows of the wicked. The Psalms frequently call upon God as a refuge and shield, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine protection. In Ephesians 6, the armor of God is described as essential for withstanding the attacks of the evil one, with faith being particularly highlighted as a means to extinguish the fiery arrows.

The righteous are encouraged to trust in God's justice and deliverance, as seen in Psalm 7:13, where God is depicted as preparing His own arrows against the wicked: "He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows against the pursuers." This assurance of divine retribution serves as a comfort to those who are targeted by the schemes of the wicked.

In summary, the arrows of the devices of the wicked represent the various forms of attack that the unrighteous use against the faithful. Through faith, reliance on God's protection, and adherence to His word, believers are equipped to withstand these assaults and remain steadfast in their righteousness.
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

Library

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... death, and we will be filled with our own devices. ... he that stays with, and associates
with wicked men, must ... men whose teeth are as spears and arrows, and their ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Psalm CXL.
... this by deceit, by fraud, by devilish devices he endeavoureth to ... yet more plainly
in another Psalm, "The wicked walk in ... added to the wound of the arrows (for I ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxl.htm

Blessing and Cursing
... with the fruit of his own devices, and left ... to that very rare character, the absolutely
wicked man, the ... the preacher too often aims ideal arrows, which vanish ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xi blessing and cursing.htm

Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus.
... the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from ... inasmuch as the sinner is
left to his own devices. ... me a deceitful bow; you shot at me arrows of reviling ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvii to sabinianus.htm

Moses --Making Haste
... in the wicked one, and with the wicked one himself ... you will see that they shot their
arrows"not of ... all those hidden schemes and methods and devices of secret ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/v mosesmaking haste.htm

The Fourth Season,
... Wicked men are sometimes like mad horses, they would stamp ... the enemy.??O when will
you beware of Satan's devices? ... may fly and be safe when the arrows of danger ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/iv the fourth season.htm

Trinidad
... seen in the New World; and bows and arrows, with which ... But the Spaniards had got
into their wicked heads that ... filled with the fruit of his own devices: and may ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter iii trinidad.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... "For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore. ... He teaches us
how to equip and defend ourselves against his wicked devices. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... How it strikes a damp into wicked men, when they see that the godly will keep close
to God ... We are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians ... The arrows of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

After Eutropius Having Been Found Outside the Church had Been ...
... Fear not the devices of a potentate, but fear the power of sin. ... Did he not hurl arrows
and darts at him? ... you may not be perverted by the suspicion of wicked men ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii after eutropius having.htm

Resources
What is the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16)? | GotQuestions.org

What was the relationship between David and Jonathan? | GotQuestions.org

What is the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Arrows

Arrows of Bitter Words

Arrows of Christ

Arrows of Devices of the Wicked

Arrows of False Witnesses

Arrows of God's Judgment

Arrows of Lightnings

Arrows of Severe Afflictions

Arrows of Slanderous Tongues

Arrows of the Word of Christ

Arrows of Young Children

Arrows: (Broken), of Destruction of Power

Arrows: (Falling from the Hand), of the Paralysing Power

Arrows: Bright and Polished

Arrows: Called Shafts

Arrows: Carried in a Quiver

Arrows: Deadly and Destructive Weapons

Arrows: Discharged with Great Force

Arrows: Discharged: Against Enemies

Arrows: Discharged: At a Mark for Amusement

Arrows: Discharged: At the Beasts of the Earth

Arrows: Discharged: from a Bow

Arrows: Discharged: from Engines

Arrows: Fleetness of, Alluded To

Arrows: Sharp

Arrows: Sometimes Poisoned

Arrows: The Ancients Divined By

Related Terms

Arrow (34 Occurrences)

Quiver (9 Occurrences)

Augury (5 Occurrences)

Shooting (13 Occurrences)

Bows (28 Occurrences)

Shoot (51 Occurrences)

Bowmen (13 Occurrences)

Archery

Flames (54 Occurrences)

Deadly (31 Occurrences)

Shot (25 Occurrences)

Flaming (40 Occurrences)

Artillery (1 Occurrence)

Shafts (6 Occurrences)

Pierce (30 Occurrences)

Armor (53 Occurrences)

Arms (166 Occurrences)

Lad (66 Occurrences)

Bend (29 Occurrences)

Warrior (36 Occurrences)

Boy (94 Occurrences)

Youth (169 Occurrences)

Lightning (49 Occurrences)

Lightnings (17 Occurrences)

Warrior's (3 Occurrences)

Flashed (12 Occurrences)

Engines (4 Occurrences)

Expressly (7 Occurrences)

Discomfited (12 Occurrences)

Persecution (22 Occurrences)

Bolts (14 Occurrences)

Belomancy

Specifically (1 Occurrence)

Sharpen (8 Occurrences)

Strings (11 Occurrences)

Scattereth (18 Occurrences)

Sharp (115 Occurrences)

Devour (118 Occurrences)

Wounded (114 Occurrences)

String (12 Occurrences)

Routed (25 Occurrences)

Spears (25 Occurrences)

Device (17 Occurrences)

Pierced (63 Occurrences)

Body-covers (25 Occurrences)

Flash (19 Occurrences)

Sticks (25 Occurrences)

Fiery (47 Occurrences)

Sends (94 Occurrences)

Safety (72 Occurrences)

Weapons (66 Occurrences)

Astrology

Liver (16 Occurrences)

Array (63 Occurrences)

Lines (42 Occurrences)

Mark (182 Occurrences)

Consume (136 Occurrences)

Armour (32 Occurrences)

Shields (44 Occurrences)

Beneath (73 Occurrences)

Using (88 Occurrences)

Boundary (83 Occurrences)

Eli'sha (52 Occurrences)

Expert (59 Occurrences)

Scattered (122 Occurrences)

Divination (25 Occurrences)

Siege (63 Occurrences)

Selah (76 Occurrences)

Shield (65 Occurrences)

Spear (55 Occurrences)

Bow (248 Occurrences)

Bent (107 Occurrences)

Directions (100 Occurrences)

Bright (85 Occurrences)

Quivers (1 Occurrence)

Vanish (21 Occurrences)

Unseen (18 Occurrences)

Unicorn (6 Occurrences)

Arrows of Christ
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