Topical Bible: The Bow: Sometimes Used in Hunting

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Topical Encyclopedia

The bow, an ancient weapon of war and hunting, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a tool for both survival and combat. In the context of hunting, the bow served as an essential instrument for procuring food and demonstrating skill and prowess.

Biblical References to the Bow in Hunting

The bow's use in hunting is implied in several passages throughout the Scriptures. While the Bible does not always explicitly describe hunting scenes, the context and cultural practices of the time suggest its use in this capacity.

One of the earliest references to the bow is found in the account of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. Genesis 21:20 states, "And God was with the boy, and he grew up and settled in the wilderness and became a great archer." This passage highlights Ishmael's skill with the bow, suggesting its use in hunting as he lived in the wilderness, a setting where hunting would be necessary for survival.

Similarly, Esau, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, is described as a skilled hunter. Genesis 25:27 notes, "When the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the field, while Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home." Although the specific mention of the bow is absent, the implication of hunting skills would naturally include proficiency with the bow and arrow.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, the bow was a primary tool for hunting game. The nomadic and agrarian societies of the biblical era relied on hunting to supplement their diet, and the bow was an effective weapon for this purpose. The ability to hunt with a bow was a valued skill, often passed down through generations, and was associated with strength and masculinity.

The bow's construction typically involved wood, horn, and sinew, materials that were readily available and could be crafted into a powerful and efficient weapon. Arrows, often tipped with stone or metal, complemented the bow, making it a versatile tool for hunting various types of game.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Beyond its practical use, the bow also carries symbolic meaning in the Bible. It is often associated with strength, skill, and divine judgment. In the context of hunting, the bow represents the provision and sustenance that God provides through the natural world.

The bow's presence in biblical narratives serves as a reminder of humanity's reliance on God's creation for sustenance and the skills endowed by God to utilize these resources effectively. The bow, as a tool for hunting, underscores the themes of survival, provision, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world as ordained by God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 27:3
Now therefore take, I pray you, your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field, and take me some venison;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Nile and Egypt
... swayed with the movement of the body; sometimes it was ... 074.jpg the boomerang and
FIGHTING bow.2 ... Those wooden weapons which were retained, were used for hunting ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Micah's Message for To-Day
... Walk humbly with thy God." It is not, "Bow thy head ... we need to have said to ourselves
sometimes: "Seekest thou ... wear a much better coat than you used to come ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/micahs message for to-day.htm

The Bishop Elect and Consecrate
... of game preserving, dog licensing, bow confiscating, fines ... He never touched flesh
but often used fish ... them would reproach them terribly, sometimes even thrashing ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter iv the bishop elect.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Koprates of classical times, which has sometimes been confounded ... Ilamtu," in the
group of words used to indicate ... night!"I, thy servant, I bow myself before ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Birth of Cyrus.
... fact, since there were no books, have used that art ... these occasions, they were armed
with a bow, and a ... in desperate conflicts, and to submit sometimes to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter ii the birth of.htm

Cyrus, the Servant Of-The Lord {4}
... creed, and could speak truth and draw the bow, what might ... sometimes too fearful to
be told, or at least sensational ... of the Italian judge, who used to ask, as a ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/cyrus the servant of-the lord.htm

The Servant of the Lord.
... and could speak truth and draw the bow, what might ... sometimes too fearful to be told,
or at least sensational ... e la Donna' of the Italian judge, who used to ask ...
/.../kingsley/lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture iv the servant of.htm

The Lost Silver Piece
... together, and a fourth athwart in the bow, with his ... our Savior's day glass was not
used, and the ... We sometimes hear persons complain of certain Christians for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the lost silver piece.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... In it was combined the bow and arrow, and the sling ... preserved for many hundred years
by them: sometimes hidden away ... a fillet"a mere band like that used to bind ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

A Compendious view of the Christian Life.
... to them; nor a sword, nor a bow, following as we ... For sometimes, when they have been
behaving shamefully, the ... eyes especially are to be sparingly used, since it ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xi a compendious view of.htm