Topical Bible: The Bow: Those Who Used, Called: Archers

◄ The Bow: Those Who Used, Called: Archers ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The bow, an ancient weapon of war and hunting, holds significant mention throughout the Bible. It symbolizes strength, skill, and sometimes divine judgment. Archers, those who wielded the bow, played crucial roles in various biblical narratives, often influencing the outcomes of battles and the fate of individuals.

Biblical References and Context

1. Ishmael and His Descendants: Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, is described as an archer. Genesis 21:20 states, "God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an archer." This skill was passed down to his descendants, who became known for their prowess with the bow.

2. Esau: Esau, the brother of Jacob, was also a skilled hunter and archer. Genesis 27:3 records Isaac's request to Esau, "Now then, take your weapons—your quiver and bow—and go out into the field to hunt some game for me." Esau's ability with the bow was integral to his identity as a hunter.

3. The Tribe of Benjamin: The Benjamites were renowned for their skill in archery. 1 Chronicles 8:40 notes, "The sons of Ulam were mighty warriors, archers, and they had many sons and grandsons—150 in all." Their expertise in archery was a significant aspect of their military strength.

4. Jonathan and Saul: Jonathan, the son of King Saul, was a notable archer. In 1 Samuel 20:20, Jonathan uses his bow to signal David about Saul's intentions, demonstrating the bow's role in communication and strategy. Saul himself fell victim to archers in battle, as recorded in 1 Samuel 31:3: "The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was badly wounded by the archers."

5. The Prophets and Symbolism: The bow is often used symbolically by the prophets. In Habakkuk 3:9, the bow represents God's judgment: "You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. Selah." This imagery underscores the bow's association with divine power and retribution.

6. The Psalms and Metaphors: The Psalms frequently use the bow metaphorically to describe God's protection and the wicked's threats. Psalm 7:12 warns, "If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow." Here, the bow signifies impending judgment for the unrepentant.

7. The New Testament: While the New Testament does not focus on archers, the imagery of the bow persists. Revelation 6:2 describes a rider on a white horse with a bow, symbolizing conquest and the unfolding of divine plans.

Cultural and Historical Significance

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, archery was a vital military skill. Archers were essential in warfare, providing long-range attack capabilities. The biblical narratives reflect this reality, portraying archers as key figures in battles and as symbols of strength and skill.

The bow's presence in scripture, both as a literal weapon and a metaphorical tool, highlights its importance in the lives of biblical characters and its enduring symbolism in conveying themes of power, judgment, and protection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 31:3
And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 51:3
Against him that bends let the archer bend his bow, and against him that lifts himself up in his brigandine: and spare you not her young men; destroy you utterly all her host.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Songs of Deliverance
... You used to envy the very least of the Lord's people ... delight, as I ascend the steps
to bow before the ... that his righteousness is engaged to save those for whom ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 13 1867/songs of deliverance.htm

Goths at Antioch
... his promotion by bribes; but he had used his power well ... the quivers on their backs,
the huge bow carried in ... must be an ecclesiastic"though in those days the ...
/.../chapter xi goths at antioch.htm

Chapter xlix
... in position on the bowstring, bending the bow, steadying it ... with we'eth, "and with,"
here used in the ... first "blessings of the heavens above" "those would be ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

The Two Effects of the Gospel
... pass along to God's throne, and there bow down before him ... one of them; for as good
Joseph Irons used to say ... knife of criticism, and the arrows of those who hate ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the two effects of the.htm

Canaan
... the hand of the Amorite with his sword and bow. ... employed in resisting the common
enemy were used in pursuing ... too idle to work himself, he plunders those who do ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The First Theban Empire
... upon me, and then I drew my bow against him ... for the goddess "the excellent channel
[called] 'the Ways ... to a powder in querns, similar to those used for crushing ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... Hittite charioteers rarely resorted to the bow and arrow. ... and its surrounding buildings
were used for purposes ... avenue of giant columns rivalling those of Karnak ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... they are made prisoners without drawing the bow; they are come ... identical in build
and equipment with those which the Mediterranean natives used for their ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... of the loins: he went into battle with bent bow, the string ... the name of the Uauaiu
was, indeed, used as a generic term to distinguish all those tribes which ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... An attendant holding a bow, and the minister Shutsururazi, stand quietly ... sort of
penal settlement, to which the Kalda rulers used to consign those of their ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm