Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, military arms, often referred to as "weapons of war," play a significant role in the narratives of the Old and New Testaments. These weapons were essential for the defense and expansion of territories, as well as for the execution of divine judgment. The Bible provides numerous references to various types of offensive military arms, reflecting the historical and cultural milieu of the times.Swords and Spears The sword is one of the most frequently mentioned weapons in the Bible. It symbolizes power, authority, and divine judgment. In the Old Testament, swords were used by warriors and kings alike. For instance, in 1 Samuel 17:51, David uses Goliath's own sword to behead him after defeating the giant with a sling and a stone. The sword is also a metaphor for the Word of God, as seen in Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword." Spears, another common weapon, were used for thrusting and throwing. They are often mentioned alongside swords, as in 1 Samuel 13:22, where it is noted that "on the day of battle, not a sword or spear was found in the hands of any of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons." Bows and Arrows Bows and arrows were crucial for long-range combat. They are frequently mentioned in the context of warfare and hunting. In 2 Samuel 1:18, David laments the death of Saul and Jonathan, instructing the people of Judah to learn the use of the bow. The bow is also used metaphorically in the Psalms to describe God's judgment: "He has bent His bow and set me as a target for His arrow" (Lamentations 3:12). Chariots and Horses Chariots and horses were symbols of military might and were used extensively in battle. The Egyptians famously pursued the Israelites with chariots during the Exodus (Exodus 14:7). In 1 Kings 10:26, Solomon amassed chariots and horses, demonstrating his wealth and power. However, reliance on chariots and horses is often contrasted with trust in God, as in Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." Slings and Stones The sling, a simple yet effective weapon, is most famously associated with David's victory over Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17:49, David's skillful use of a sling and a stone demonstrates that victory in battle is not solely dependent on conventional weapons but on faith and divine intervention. Axes and Clubs Axes and clubs were used in close combat and for breaking through enemy defenses. In Jeremiah 51:20, God refers to Israel as His "war club, My weapon for battle," indicating the use of such tools in executing divine judgment. Metaphorical Use of Weapons Weapons of war are also used metaphorically throughout the Bible to describe spiritual battles and divine intervention. Ephesians 6:17 speaks of the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," emphasizing the spiritual nature of the Christian's battle against evil. In summary, the Bible's references to military arms reflect both the historical realities of ancient warfare and the spiritual truths conveyed through these powerful symbols. The use of weapons in the biblical narrative underscores themes of divine justice, human agency, and the ultimate sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 1:27How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished! Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The War of Truth Non-Resistants. The Holy War, The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed ... A Discourse Progress of Calvinism The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Persecutions of the Church. Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C. The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Resources Who was Hur in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jesus a pacifist? | GotQuestions.org What are phylacteries? | GotQuestions.org Arms: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Military Arms for Sieges: Battering Rams Military Arms for Sieges: Engines for Casting Stones Military Arms of Conquered Nations Taken Away to Prevent Rebellion Military Arms of the Vanquished: Sometime Burned Military Arms of the Vanquished: Sometimes Kept As Trophies Military Arms of the Vanquished: Taken off Them Military Arms were Provided by Individuals Themselves Military Arms were Provided: from the Public Arsenals Military Arms: Armouries Built For Military Arms: Before Using: Anointed Military Arms: Before Using: Burnished Military Arms: Before Using: Tried and Proved Military Arms: Defensive: Buckler Military Arms: Defensive: Called Armour Military Arms: Defensive: Called Harness Military Arms: Defensive: Coat of Mail, Breastplate, Habergeon, or Brigandine Military Arms: Defensive: Girdle Military Arms: Defensive: Greaves Military Arms: Defensive: Helmet Military Arms: Defensive: Shield Military Arms: Defensive: Target Military Arms: Great Stores of, Prepared Military Arms: Hung of the Walls of Cities Military Arms: Inferior to Wisdom Military Arms: Judgments of God Military Arms: Made of Iron, Steel, or Brass Military Arms: Not Worn in Ordinary Times Military Arms: Offensive: Battle-Axe Military Arms: Offensive: Bow and Arrows Military Arms: Offensive: Called Instruments of Death Military Arms: Offensive: Called Instruments of War Military Arms: Offensive: Called Weapons of War Military Arms: Offensive: Dagger Military Arms: Offensive: Dart or Javelin Military Arms: Offensive: Hand Staff Military Arms: Offensive: Sling Military Arms: Offensive: Spear or Lance Military Arms: Offensive: Sword Military Arms: Offensive: Two-Edged Sword Military Arms: Often Given As Presents Military Arms: Part of, Borne by Armour-Bearers Military Arms: Put on at the First Alarm Military Arms: Spiritual Armour Military Arms: Spiritual Weapons Related Terms |
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