Topical Bible: The Bow: Often Furnished by the State

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In the ancient Near Eastern context, the bow was a crucial weapon of war and hunting, often provided by the state to equip its soldiers and maintain a strong military presence. The bow's significance is evident throughout the biblical narrative, where it symbolizes strength, power, and divine judgment.

Historical Context and Usage

The bow, along with arrows, was a primary weapon in ancient warfare. It allowed for long-range attacks, providing a strategic advantage in battles. The state often supplied these weapons to ensure that its army was well-equipped. This practice is reflected in various biblical accounts where the bow is mentioned in the context of military preparedness and national defense.

Biblical References

1. Equipping the Army: In 1 Samuel 31:3, the Philistines fought against Israel, and the archers hit King Saul, severely wounding him. This passage highlights the importance of archers in battle, suggesting that the state would have prioritized equipping its soldiers with bows and arrows.

2. Symbol of Strength and Power: The bow is frequently used metaphorically to represent strength and power. In 2 Samuel 22:35, David praises God, saying, "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze." This imagery underscores the bow's association with might and divine empowerment.

3. Divine Judgment: The bow is also a symbol of divine judgment and wrath. In Habakkuk 3:9, the prophet describes God's readiness for judgment: "You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. Selah." Here, the bow signifies God's active role in executing justice.

4. Provision by the State: While specific biblical references to the state furnishing bows are not explicit, the organized nature of ancient armies, as seen in passages like 1 Chronicles 12:2, where the sons of Benjamin are described as skilled archers, implies a systematic provision of weapons by the ruling authorities.

Cultural and Theological Significance

The bow's presence in the biblical text reflects its cultural importance as a tool for survival and dominance. It served not only as a practical weapon but also as a symbol of the state's responsibility to protect and empower its people. Theologically, the bow represents God's strength and sovereignty, as well as His capacity to protect and judge.

In summary, the bow's role in the biblical narrative is multifaceted, serving as a practical instrument of war, a symbol of divine power, and an emblem of the state's duty to equip its warriors. Its frequent mention in Scripture underscores its significance in the ancient world and its enduring metaphorical power in conveying themes of strength and divine intervention.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 26:14
And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... heavy fine, which shall fall to the State. ... other, whose deceitful wiles are often
scarcely restrained ... Church, the Charges against Caecilianus, Furnished by the ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

Grecian Literature, and the Roman Empire.
... They furnished the human forms, in which the divine ... majesty every people had to bow,
and beautified ... The conquered nations, though often and justly complaining ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 12 grecian literature and.htm

Chapter xli
... thing seemed so very obvious, as has often been pointed ... great perplexity, and how
the interpretation furnished to the ... and men cried out before him: Bow the knee ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xli.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... it was rounded at the top and often furnished with a ... but bore and axe and dagger,
an occasionally a bow. ... by side with the king's soldiers furnished from the ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Benefits of an Early Piety
... of old age; when "the strong men bow themselves," or ... and despise others, because
you often assemble yourselves ... own experience, no doubt, has furnished you with ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the benefits of an early.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... arrow is seen attached to the bow, suggests bloodless ... and confederated under the
form often kingdoms ... In the symbolic description there furnished the first Beast ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm

The Christian Honoring God by his Dying Behavior.
... of heaven, blessed be thy name, I have often been taught ... Bow down thy gracious ear,
O God ... pleasant entertainments with which my table has been furnished by thee ...
/.../chapter xxx the christian honoring.htm

Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known
... Earthly monarchs are often tyrants; their yoke is heavy, and ... They who dwell in the
wilderness shall bow before him ... The feast is to be furnished with guests, but ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/christ is gloriouslet us make.htm

The Lord's Supper
... her table.' Proverbs 9:2. So Christ has furnished his table ... Grace is like a lamp,
which if it be not often fed with ... are easy; to lift up the eye, to bow the knee ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 5 the lords supper.htm

Thoughts for the Clergy on the Amusement Question.
... fairly, and inquire what provision is furnished by the ... Hence the sentiment often
expressed, a true Christian will have ... line has been penned, I bow my shoulders ...
/.../vincent/amusement a force in christian training/thoughts for the clergy on.htm