The phrase "arrows of lightnings" is a vivid biblical metaphor that appears in the poetic and prophetic literature of the Old Testament. This imagery is used to describe the power and majesty of God, particularly in the context of divine judgment and warfare. The metaphor combines the swiftness and precision of arrows with the overwhelming and awe-inspiring force of lightning, emphasizing God's sovereign control over creation and His ability to execute judgment with precision and power.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 18:14 : "He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them." In this psalm, attributed to David, the imagery of arrows and lightning is used to describe God's intervention on behalf of the psalmist. The arrows symbolize God's direct and effective action against the enemies, while the lightning underscores the sudden and powerful nature of His deliverance.

2. 2 Samuel 22:15 : "He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them." This verse is part of David's song of deliverance, which parallels Psalm 18. Here, the "arrows of lightnings" are part of a theophany, a visible manifestation of God, highlighting His might and the fearsome nature of His presence in battle.

3. Habakkuk 3:11 : "Sun and moon stood still in their places at the flash of Your flying arrows, at the brightness of Your shining spear." In this prophetic vision, Habakkuk describes a cosmic upheaval where God's arrows, likened to lightning, are part of a divine intervention that causes even celestial bodies to pause. This passage emphasizes the overwhelming power and authority of God over the natural world.

Theological Significance:

The use of "arrows of lightnings" in Scripture serves to convey several theological truths about God's nature and His relationship with the world:

· Divine Sovereignty: The imagery underscores God's absolute control over creation. Just as a warrior skillfully directs arrows, God directs the forces of nature to accomplish His purposes.

· Judgment and Deliverance: The metaphor is often associated with divine judgment against the wicked and deliverance for the righteous. It reflects the dual aspects of God's character as both a just judge and a merciful savior.

· Power and Majesty: The combination of arrows and lightning highlights the power and majesty of God. Lightning, a natural phenomenon that inspires awe and fear, is used to illustrate the overwhelming and irresistible nature of God's actions.

· Symbol of Warfare: In the ancient Near Eastern context, arrows were a common weapon of war. By using this imagery, the biblical authors convey the idea of God as a divine warrior who fights on behalf of His people.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient world, both arrows and lightning were symbols of power and divine intervention. Arrows were a primary weapon in warfare, representing precision and lethality. Lightning, with its sudden and destructive force, was often associated with the divine realm. The combination of these two elements in biblical literature would have resonated with ancient audiences, reinforcing the message of God's might and His active role in the affairs of humanity.

The "arrows of lightnings" thus serve as a powerful reminder of God's active presence in the world, His ability to protect and deliver His people, and His ultimate authority over all creation.Psalm 77:17,18
The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: your arrows also went abroad.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Habakkuk 3:11
The sun and moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of your arrows they went, and at the shining of your glittering spear.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Passing Years
... It made him fear that the moral lesson would be lost in the intellectual excitement,
and that his arrows of lightnings had but played before the imagination ...
/.../chapter x passing years.htm

The Ark of the House of Obed-Edom
... Being, before whom we stand, holds in His right hand blessings beyond count or price,
even the gift of Himself, and in His left His lightnings and His arrows. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the ark of the house.htm

Psalm 18
... hailstones and coals of fire. ^14Yea, he his arrows sent abroad,. and them he scattered;
His lightnings also he shot out,. and them discomfited. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 18.htm

David's Strength
... and coals of fire. He sent out his arrows, and scattered them: he cast forth
lightnings, and destroyed them. The springs of waters ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon ii davids strength.htm

Psalm CXLIV.
... "Flash forth Thy lightnings, and Thou shalt scatter them." Abound with Thy miracles,
and their conspiracy shall be broken...."Send forth Thine arrows, and Thou ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxliv.htm

How the Above-Mentioned Ceadda was Made Bishop of the Province of ...
... Yea, he sent out his arrows and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and
discomfited them.' For the Lord moves the air, raises the winds, hurls lightning ...
/.../bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap iii how the above-mentioned.htm

Psalm 77
... thine arrows fierce did fly. ^18Thy thunder's voice alongst the heav'n. a mighty
noise did make; By lightnings lighten'd was the world,. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 77.htm

Thanksgiving for Deliverance from the Cholera.
... Clouds and darkness girt His path. Thence abroad His arrows flew,. ... Fervent prayer
had power with God,. Caught the lightnings on its rod,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn ccxci thanksgiving for deliverance.htm

The First Christmas Carol
... letters? Do not the lightnings adore him when they flash his brightness
in arrows of light piercing the midnight darkness? Do not ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the first christmas carol.htm

Psalm LXXVII.
... any longer wonder at the troubling of the abysses, when "Thine arrows have gone ... I
will hear what thou sayest: "Thy lightnings have appeared to the round world ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxvii.htm

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