Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, clubs were simple yet effective weapons used for various purposes, including hunting, warfare, and personal defense. The club, typically a short, stout stick or staff, was often made from wood and sometimes reinforced with metal or stone to increase its impact. While not as sophisticated as swords or spears, clubs were accessible to people of all social standings due to their simplicity and ease of construction.
Biblical References:The Bible makes several references to clubs, often in the context of violence or conflict. In the Old Testament, clubs are mentioned as instruments of war and personal defense. For instance, in
2 Samuel 23:21, Benaiah, one of David's mighty warriors, is described as having "struck down a huge Egyptian with his own spear, after he had gone down to him with a club." This passage highlights the club's role in close combat and its effectiveness in the hands of a skilled warrior.
In the New Testament, clubs are mentioned in the context of the arrest of Jesus. In
Matthew 26:47, it is recorded, "While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people." This scene underscores the use of clubs by those who sought to apprehend Jesus, indicating their common use among both Roman soldiers and Jewish temple guards.
Symbolism and Interpretation:Clubs in the Bible often symbolize brute force and aggression. They are associated with the idea of overpowering an opponent through sheer strength rather than skill or strategy. This symbolism is evident in the narrative of Cain and Abel, where Cain's act of violence against his brother can be imagined as using a rudimentary weapon like a club, though the specific weapon is not mentioned in the text.
From a spiritual perspective, the use of clubs can be seen as a representation of humanity's fallen nature and propensity for violence. The Bible consistently calls believers to rise above such base instincts, advocating for peace and reconciliation over conflict and aggression. In
Matthew 5:9, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God," encouraging His followers to pursue peace rather than resort to violence.
Cultural and Historical Context:In the ancient Near East, clubs were not only weapons but also tools for daily life. Shepherds, for example, used clubs to protect their flocks from predators. This dual purpose highlights the club's versatility and importance in ancient societies. The imagery of a shepherd with a club can be seen in
Psalm 23:4, where David writes, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Here, the "rod" can be understood as a club, symbolizing God's protection and guidance.
Overall, clubs in the Bible serve as a reminder of the human condition, the reality of conflict, and the call to pursue peace and righteousness in a world often marked by violence.
Greek
3586. xulon -- wood... Word Origin a prim. word Definition wood NASB Word Usage
clubs (5), cross (4),
stocks (1), tree (7), wood (3). staff, stocks, tree, wood.
...Strong's Hebrew
8455. tothach -- (a weapon) perhaps club, mace... 8454, 8455. tothach. 8456 . (a weapon) perhaps club, mace. Transliteration:
tothach Phonetic Spelling: (to-thawkh') Short Definition:
clubs.
...4731. maqqel -- a rod, staff
... Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a rod, staff NASB Word Usage rod (1),
rods (6), staff (5), staffs (1), stick (2), sticks (1), wand (1), warclubs (1...
Library
The Bargemen and theirClubs
... Chapter 7. Severe Weather; Ireland; Wesley's Protest against Lawlessness
cWesley and Faith-healing The Bargemen and theirClubs....
It is Admitted, one May Hope, that Common Things are Never...
... women excel have so much more authority and intensity that pure comradeship would
be washed away if it were not rallied and guarded inclubs, corps, colleges...
Building for Community Service
... Usually, two main rooms, one for worship and the other for recreational purposes,
with such side rooms for kitchen and specialclubs and classes as the...
The Organized Sunday School Bible Class
... Seventy-five per cent. of theseclubs are formed solely for the purpose
of physical expression in athletics. Hundreds of suchclubs...
Association
... heads this morning. Now these benefitclubs are also called provident societies,
and a very good name for them. You become members...
D. The Arrest of Jesus. Ch. 22:47-53
... He led a multitude armed with swords andclubs into the Garden where his Master
was wont to retire for prayer, and there betrayed him with a kiss, a sign which...
Epistle Lxxvi. Cyprian to Nemesianus and Other Martyrs in the...
... 2. But that, being first severely beaten withclubs, and ill-used, you have begun
by sufferings of that kind, the glorious firstlings of your confession, is...
Jesus is Seized by the Mob
... While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, came up, followed by a
mob with swords andclubs, who had come from the high priests and the scribes...
Outrages which Took Place at the Time of Gregory's Arrival.
... gaining over the heathen multitude, with the Jews and disorderly persons, and having
excited their passions, sent them in a body with swords andclubs into the...
An Appreciation of John Wesley's Journal
... century our two universities, famous despite their faults, were always open to the
poor scholar who was ready to subscribe, not to boatclubs or cricketclubs...
Thesaurus
Clubs (7 Occurrences)...Clubs (7 Occurrences).
... Matthew 26:55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes,
"Have you come out as against a robber with swords and
clubs to seize me?
...Swords (50 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:47 While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came,
and with him a great multitude with swords andclubs, from the chief priest...
Rebellion (51 Occurrences)
... Rebellion (51 Occurrences). Matthew 26:55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes,
"Have you come out as against a robber with swords andclubs to seize me?...
Robber (14 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Matthew 26:55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, "Have you come
out as against a robber with swords andclubs to seize me?...
Elders (203 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:47 While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came,
and with him a great multitude with swords andclubs, from the chief priest...
Leading (101 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Matthew 26:55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, "Have you come
out as against a robber with swords andclubs to seize me?...
Capture (53 Occurrences)
... Capture (53 Occurrences). Matthew 26:55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes,
"Have you come out as against a robber with swords andclubs to seize me?...
Seize (91 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, "Have you come
out as against a robber with swords andclubs to seize me?...
Speaking (376 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:47 While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came,
and with him a great multitude with swords andclubs, from the chief priest...
Twelve (176 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:47 While he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came,
and with him a great multitude with swords andclubs, from the chief priest...
Resources
What is Awana? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a Rotary club? | GotQuestions.orgClubs: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
