Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the imagery of arrows is frequently employed to symbolize God's judgment and wrath against sin and disobedience. This metaphor is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern context, where arrows were common instruments of warfare and symbols of divine retribution.Old Testament References The concept of arrows as instruments of God's judgment is prominently featured in the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 32:23, God declares, "I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend My arrows against them." Here, arrows represent the various calamities and judgments that God will unleash upon a disobedient Israel. This passage underscores the severity and inevitability of divine retribution. In the Psalms, the imagery of arrows is used to describe God's righteous anger against the wicked. Psalm 7:12-13 states, "If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows against the persecutors." This passage highlights the readiness of God to execute judgment upon those who persist in their wickedness. Similarly, in Psalm 38:2, the psalmist laments, "For Your arrows have pierced me deeply, and Your hand has pressed down on me." Here, the arrows symbolize the personal affliction and conviction of sin experienced by the psalmist, reflecting the broader theme of divine discipline. Prophetic Literature The prophets also employ the imagery of arrows to convey messages of impending judgment. In Lamentations 3:12-13, Jeremiah writes, "He bent His bow and set me as the target for His arrow. He pierced my kidneys with His arrows." This vivid depiction serves to illustrate the intense suffering and desolation experienced by the prophet, symbolizing the broader judgment upon Jerusalem. Ezekiel 5:16 further elaborates on this theme: "When I send against them the deadly arrows of famine to destroy you, I will intensify the famine and cut off your supply of bread." Here, arrows are equated with famine, a specific form of divine judgment intended to bring about repentance and restoration. New Testament Allusions While the New Testament does not explicitly use the metaphor of arrows in the context of divine judgment, the concept of God's righteous wrath remains prevalent. The imagery of warfare and divine retribution is echoed in passages such as Ephesians 6:16, where believers are exhorted to take up the "shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Although this passage refers to spiritual warfare, it reflects the broader biblical theme of divine protection against judgment. Theological Implications The use of arrows as symbols of God's judgment underscores the seriousness of sin and the certainty of divine justice. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness and the consequences of disobedience. The imagery also emphasizes the need for repentance and the hope of redemption through God's mercy. In summary, the biblical motif of arrows as instruments of God's judgment is a profound expression of divine justice and the call to righteousness. Through this imagery, Scripture communicates the reality of God's wrath against sin and the ultimate hope of restoration for those who turn to Him in faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 32:23-42I will heap mischiefs on them; I will spend my arrows on them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 7:13 Psalm 21:12 Psalm 64:7 Ezekiel 5:16 Library The Exile --Continued. Psalm 7. God's Care of his People and Punishment of Persecutors. Psalm 7 God's Care of his People. Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus. 'As Sodom' The Christian Rejoicing in the views of Death and Judgment. Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. A Faithful Friend A Faithful Friend Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment Resources Who was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God expect all of us to have children? | GotQuestions.org What are the Quiverfull and Patriarchy movements? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Arrows of Devices of the Wicked Arrows: (Broken), of Destruction of Power Arrows: (Falling from the Hand), of the Paralysing Power 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: The Ancients Divined By Related Terms |
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