Topical Encyclopedia The bow, a weapon of significant importance in biblical times, is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures as a symbol of military strength and divine judgment. As an instrument of war, the bow was used by various nations and peoples, including the Israelites, to project arrows over long distances, making it a formidable tool in ancient warfare.Biblical References and Symbolism The bow is first mentioned in Genesis 21:20, where it is associated with Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar: "God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an archer." This early reference highlights the bow's role in survival and skill in the wilderness. In the context of warfare, the bow is often depicted as a symbol of power and might. In 2 Samuel 1:18, David laments the death of Saul and Jonathan, instructing the people of Judah to learn the "Song of the Bow," underscoring the importance of archery in Israel's military tradition. The bow also serves as a metaphor for divine judgment and deliverance. In Habakkuk 3:9, the prophet describes God's intervention: "You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. Selah. You split the earth with rivers." Here, the bow represents God's readiness to execute justice and deliver His people. Military Use and Training The Israelites, like many ancient cultures, trained their warriors in the use of the bow. Archers were a crucial component of their military forces, providing a strategic advantage in battle. The skill of archery was highly valued, as seen in 1 Chronicles 12:2, which describes the men who joined David at Ziklag: "They were armed with bows and could use both the right hand and the left to sling stones and shoot arrows from the bow." The bow's effectiveness in warfare is further illustrated in the accounts of battles and conflicts throughout the Old Testament. In 2 Kings 13:15-17, the prophet Elisha instructs King Joash of Israel to shoot an arrow out of a window as a symbol of victory over Aram: "Elisha said, 'Open the east window.' So he opened it, and Elisha said, 'Shoot!' And Joash shot. Then Elisha declared, 'This is the LORD’s arrow of victory, the arrow of victory over Aram!'" Cultural and Historical Context The construction and use of the bow varied across different cultures and time periods. Typically made from wood, horn, or composite materials, bows were designed to maximize range and accuracy. The arrows, often tipped with metal or stone, were crafted to penetrate armor and inflict damage on the enemy. In the ancient Near East, the bow was not only a weapon of war but also a tool for hunting and a symbol of personal prowess. The proficiency of an archer was a mark of honor and skill, as seen in the accounts of renowned biblical figures like Jonathan and the mighty men of David. Theological Implications The bow's presence in Scripture extends beyond its physical use in warfare. It often symbolizes God's covenant and promises. In Genesis 9:13, God sets the rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenant with Noah: "I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth." Here, the bow is transformed from an instrument of war to a symbol of peace and divine assurance. Throughout the Bible, the bow serves as a powerful reminder of both human and divine strength, illustrating the themes of conflict, protection, and covenant. Its repeated mention underscores its significance in the cultural and spiritual life of the biblical world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 48:22Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 7:24 Library The Holy War, How the Hebrews were Delivered from a Famine when the Gibeonites ... The Struggle for Life Festal Letters. Psalm 144 The Christian Life The Name Above Every Name A Solemn Embassy The Doom of the Antichrist Palestine under Pagan Kings. Resources What does it mean that Jesus has the name above all names? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the Catholic Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org What is the definition of idolatry? | 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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