Topical Encyclopedia The bow, an ancient weapon of war and hunting, holds significant mention throughout the biblical narrative. It is a symbol of strength, skill, and divine judgment. Bowmen, or archers, were esteemed for their prowess and played crucial roles in various biblical accounts.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, the bow is frequently associated with warfare and the might of armies. Genesis 21:20 notes that Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, "became an archer" as he grew up in the wilderness of Paran. This early reference highlights the bow's importance in survival and defense. The tribe of Benjamin was renowned for its skilled bowmen. In 1 Chronicles 8:40, it is recorded, "The sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and they had many sons and grandsons, 150 in all." This passage underscores the martial prowess and the generational transmission of archery skills within the tribe. The bow also appears in the context of divine judgment and deliverance. In 2 Samuel 22:35, David sings of God's empowerment, stating, "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze." This metaphorical language illustrates the divine enablement given to David, equipping him for victory over his enemies. New Testament and Symbolic Usage While the New Testament does not emphasize the physical use of the bow, it does employ the imagery symbolically. Revelation 6:2 describes a rider on a white horse, "holding a bow," as he goes forth to conquer. This apocalyptic vision uses the bow as a symbol of conquest and divine authority. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the bow was a primary weapon for both hunting and warfare. It required significant skill and strength, making bowmen valuable assets in military campaigns. The ability to use the bow effectively was often seen as a mark of a warrior's competence and bravery. Spiritual and Theological Implications The bow, in its biblical context, often represents God's power and judgment. In Habakkuk 3:9, the prophet declares, "You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows." Here, the bow is a metaphor for God's readiness to execute justice and deliverance for His people. The imagery of the bow also serves as a reminder of the covenantal promises of God. In Genesis 9:13, God sets the rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenant with Noah, symbolizing His mercy and faithfulness. Though not a weapon, the rainbow's arc mirrors the shape of a bow, transforming a symbol of war into one of peace and divine promise. Conclusion Throughout the biblical narrative, the bow and those who wielded it, the bowmen, are depicted as instruments of both human and divine action. Whether in the hands of skilled warriors or as a metaphor for God's sovereign power, the bow remains a potent symbol within the scriptural text. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 4:29The whole city shall flee for the noise of the horsemen and bowmen; they shall go into thickets, and climb up on the rocks: every city shall be forsaken, and not a man dwell therein. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Songs of Deliverance The Holy Spirit's Intercession The Second vision "On Earth" The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) The Rise of the Assyrian Empire Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Iranian Conquest 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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