Topical Bible: The Bow: The Jews Taught to Use

◄ The Bow: The Jews Taught to Use ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The bow, an ancient weapon of war and hunting, holds significant mention in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Israelites. The use of the bow is not only a practical skill but also a symbol of strength and divine empowerment in the Scriptures.

Historical Context and Usage

The bow was a common weapon in the ancient Near East, used by various cultures for both hunting and warfare. Among the Israelites, the bow was an essential part of military equipment. It was used by foot soldiers and mounted warriors alike, providing a strategic advantage in battle due to its range and lethality.

Biblical References

The Bible contains numerous references to the bow, highlighting its importance in Israelite society. In 2 Samuel 1:18, David laments the deaths of Saul and Jonathan, instructing the people of Judah to be taught the use of the bow: "and he ordered that the people of Judah be taught the Song of the Bow. It is written in the Book of Jashar." This passage underscores the significance of the bow as a skill to be passed down through generations, ensuring the military readiness of the nation.

The bow is also mentioned in the context of divine judgment and protection. In Psalm 7:12-13, the imagery of God preparing His bow is used to describe His readiness to execute judgment: "If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire." Here, the bow symbolizes God's power and the certainty of His justice.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Beyond its practical use, the bow carries symbolic meaning in the biblical text. It often represents strength, skill, and divine favor. In Genesis 49:24, Jacob blesses his son Joseph, saying, "Yet his bow remained steady, and his strong arms were made agile by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel." This blessing highlights the bow as a metaphor for resilience and divine support.

The bow also appears in prophetic literature, symbolizing both destruction and peace. In Habakkuk 3:9, the prophet describes God's intervention in history: "You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. Selah You split the earth with rivers." Conversely, in Hosea 1:5, God promises to break the bow of Israel as a sign of judgment: "On that day I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel."

Training and Skill Development

The training in the use of the bow was an essential aspect of Israelite military preparation. The ability to skillfully wield the bow was a mark of a competent warrior. This training was likely conducted within families and military units, ensuring that each generation was equipped to defend the nation and uphold its covenantal responsibilities.

Conclusion

The bow, as depicted in the Bible, is more than a mere weapon; it is a symbol of divine empowerment, judgment, and protection. Its use and significance in the life of the Israelites reflect the broader themes of strength, skill, and reliance on God throughout the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 1:18
(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Faustus Asserts that Even if the Old Testament could be Shown to ...
... All the kings of the earth shall bow down to ... the God whom we worship, they either
taught their fellow ... discontinued, not by the wish of the Jews themselves, who ...
/.../faustus asserts that even if.htm

The Wall Rebuilt.
... Mordecai would not bow before the man whom his law had ... son-in-law to Sanballat, the
worst enemy of the Jews. ... book of Psalms, and to have been taught to discern ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiv the wall rebuilt.htm

The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ...
... safer to rest contented with the relation as taught by him ... be "for a stone of stumbling"
to the Jews, was the ... by Isaiah, "Unto me every knee shall bow," is the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 the unity of.htm

A Look into the Hebrew Bible.
... The doctrines taught in the Bible will not be discussed ... group of writings was esteemed
by the Jews as less ... 1:18, the beautiful "Song of the Bow," written by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter i a look into.htm

The Greek Kings of Egypt.
... made, was to fit an arrow to his bow-string, and ... in the Temple; but Greek learning
was doing the Jews no good ... A man named Joseph taught that people ought to be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvi the greek kings.htm

[Greek: En Toyto Nika]
... You Jews wish to conquer all mankind: and behold, instead, you ... men, and make them
admire us and bow down to us ... the learning in the world had never taught him so ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxxiv greek en toyto.htm

An Eye-Witness's Account of the Crucifixion
... revelation as represented by Israel, would yet bow before the ... were well accustomed
to crucify rebel Jews, and saw ... And He taught us the lesson, which many of us ...
/.../an eye-witnesss account of the.htm

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... of the ground: and I will break the bow, and the ... us, whom he hath called, not of
the Jews only, but ... it, he had no understanding?"[509] What is taught by the ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

Whether the Actions Performed in Celebrating this Sacrament are ...
... his hands, to join together his fingers, and to bow down ... and the Church cannot err,
since she is taught by the ... work of God, of Judas, and of the Jews; and this ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the actions performed in.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... It was they who bound the fallen angels, taught Noah the ... the mind of the less instructed,
whether Jews or proselytes ... 29: "Let thy mother's sons bow down to thee ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm