Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the bow is often a symbol of strength, warfare, and divine judgment. However, when associated with deceit, it becomes a metaphor for hypocrisy and treachery. The imagery of a deceitful bow is used to describe individuals or nations that appear strong and reliable but are ultimately untrustworthy and duplicitous.The concept of the deceitful bow is vividly illustrated in Hosea 7:16, where the prophet Hosea laments the faithlessness of Israel: "They turn, but not to the Most High; they are like a faulty bow. Their leaders will fall by the sword because of their insolent words. For this they will be ridiculed in the land of Egypt." . Here, the faulty bow represents Israel's unreliability and failure to remain true to God. Despite outward appearances of devotion, their hearts are far from Him, making them like a bow that cannot be trusted to hit its target. The deceitful bow is also emblematic of the hypocrite, who outwardly professes faith and righteousness but inwardly harbors deceit and sin. This duality is condemned throughout Scripture, as God desires sincerity and truth in the inward being. In Psalm 78:57, the psalmist recounts the unfaithfulness of the Israelites: "But they turned back and acted treacherously like their fathers; they were twisted like a deceitful bow." . This passage underscores the recurring theme of hypocrisy, where the people of God fail to live up to their covenantal promises. The New Testament continues this critique of hypocrisy, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 23, Jesus denounces the scribes and Pharisees for their outward displays of piety that mask their inner corruption. While the imagery of the bow is not explicitly used, the underlying message is consistent: God desires authenticity and integrity, not mere appearances. The deceitful bow serves as a cautionary symbol for believers, reminding them of the importance of aligning their actions with their professed beliefs. It calls for introspection and a commitment to genuine faithfulness, avoiding the pitfalls of hypocrisy that lead to spiritual downfall. In conclusion, the metaphor of the deceitful bow in Scripture serves as a powerful indictment of hypocrisy and unfaithfulness. It challenges individuals and communities to examine their hearts and ensure that their devotion to God is sincere and unwavering. As believers strive to live lives of integrity, they are called to be like a well-crafted bow—reliable, true, and aligned with the purposes of their Creator. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 78:57But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hosea 7:16 Library A Table of the Chief Things. Application of these Motives Letter cxxv. To Rusticus. A Home Question "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . Unsound Spiritual Trading Christ Crucified A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized. The Lord's Supper The Treatise Resources Where was Daniel when his three friends were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's statue? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of namaste? | GotQuestions.org What is the synagogue of Satan in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Bow: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Bow: A Weapon used by the Elamites Bow: A Weapon: David Instructed the Israelites in the Use of, by Writing a War Song To Bow: A Weapon: Made of Brass (R. V.) The Bow of the Tongue of the Wicked The Bow of the Vanquished, Broken and Burned The Bow used Expertly by Benjamites The Bow used Expertly by Elamites The Bow used Expertly by Lydians The Bow used Expertly by Philistines The Bow used Expertly by Sons of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh The Bow: (When Broken) the Overthrow of Power The Bow: (When Deceitful) the Hypocrite The Bow: Called the Battle Bow The Bow: Drawn With Full Force The Bow: Given As a Token of Friendship The Bow: Held in the Left Hand The Bow: Often Furnished by the State The Bow: Sometimes Used in Hunting The Bow: The Jews Taught to Use The Bow: Those Who Used, Called: Archers The Bow: Those Who Used, Called: Bowmen Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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