Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Description:The bow is an ancient weapon used for hunting and warfare, consisting of a curved piece of wood or other flexible material with a string connecting its two ends. Arrows are shot from the bow, propelled by the tension in the string. In biblical times, the bow was a symbol of strength, skill, and sometimes divine judgment.
Biblical References and Usage:1.
Symbol of Strength and Warfare: The bow is frequently mentioned in the context of battle and military prowess. In
2 Samuel 1:18, David laments the death of Saul and Jonathan, instructing the people to learn the "Song of the Bow," highlighting its importance in Israel's martial culture. The bow is also associated with mighty warriors, as seen in
1 Chronicles 5:18, where the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are described as "valiant men who carried shield and sword, drew the bow, and were trained for battle."
2.
Divine Judgment and Protection: The bow is sometimes used metaphorically to describe God's power and judgment. In
Habakkuk 3:9, the prophet describes God's readiness to execute judgment: "You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows." Conversely, the bow can also symbolize divine protection, as in
Psalm 18:34, where David praises God for training his hands for battle, "so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze."
3.
Covenant Symbolism: The bow is notably used as a symbol of God's covenant with humanity. In
Genesis 9:13, after the flood, God sets a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His promise never to destroy the earth with a flood again: "I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth."
4.
Metaphorical and Prophetic Uses: The bow is often used metaphorically in prophetic literature to convey messages of strength, judgment, or the futility of human efforts against divine will. In
Jeremiah 49:35, the Lord declares, "I will shatter Elam’s bow, the mainstay of their might," indicating the breaking of their military power. Similarly, in
Zechariah 9:13, God promises to use Judah as His bow and Ephraim as His arrow, symbolizing His empowerment of His people for victory.
5.
Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, the bow was a crucial part of a warrior's arsenal. It required skill and strength to use effectively, and its presence in biblical narratives underscores the martial culture of the time. The bow's significance is also reflected in its use in various tribes and nations surrounding Israel, as seen in references to the archers of Babylon and other nations.
Conclusion:The bow, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a multifaceted symbol representing human strength, divine judgment, and covenantal promises. Its presence in both literal and metaphorical contexts highlights its importance in the cultural and spiritual life of ancient Israel and its neighbors.
Strong's Hebrew
7198. qesheth -- a bow... Word Origin perhaps from qush Definition a bow NASB Word Usage archers* (3), arrows
(1), bow (54), bowman* (1), bowmen (1),
bows (13), bowshot* (1), rainbow (1
...7817. shachach -- to bow, be bowed down, crouch
... root Definition to bow, be bowed down, crouch NASB Word Usage been humbled (1),
bow down (1), bowed down (3), bowing (1),bows down (1), bring down (1...
7812. shachah -- to bow down
... bow yourselves down (1), bow down (21), bowed (16), bowed in worship (1), bowed
themselves down (2), bowed down (14), bowing (1), bowing down (1),bows down (1...
Library
My SpiritBows in Adoration to the Cross, which is a Stumbling...
... Chapter XVIII. My spiritbows in adoration to the cross, which is a
stumbling-block to those who? My spiritbows in adoration...
On the Second Part of the Psalm.
... 3. "And theirbows shall be broken." What is meant by, "And theirbows shall
be broken"? Their plots shall be frustrated. For above...
Discouragements and Courage
... I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the
people after their families with their swords, their spears, and theirbows.14....
Of Holy Obedience
... When the oxbows his head beneath the yoke, he ploughs the ground well, so that
it will bring forth good fruit in due season; but when the ox strays about at...
Psalm LXXXVI.
... Lord, and hear me" (ver.1). He speaks in the form of a servant: speak thou, O servant,
in the form of thy Lord: "Bow down Thine ear, O Lord." Hebows down His...
Christ's Prayer Answered.
... GOD LISTENS. When Christ opens His mouth, Godbows down His ear.... The aged manbows
his head upon his staff and weeps. "For what are you weeping, old man?"....
The Liturgy of the Blessed Apostles.
... The Priest draws near to celebrate, and thricebows before the altar, the middle
of which he kisses, then the right and the left horn of the altar; andbows to...
Psalm LXXVIII.
... 8. Lastly, "The sons of Ephrem bending and shootingbows, have been turned back
in the day of war" (ver.9). Following after the law of righteousness, unto the...
A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection...
... He hath yet less ordnance, for he hath of all sorts to shoot at good christian men;
he hath hand-guns andbows, which do much hurt, but not so much as the...
How Sennacherib Made an Expedition against Hezekiah; What
... he called this king not king of the Assyrians, but of the Arabians; for he saith
that "a multitude of mice gnawed to pieces in one night both thebows and the...
Thesaurus
Bows (28 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Bows (28 Occurrences).
... He
bows his shoulder to the
burden, and becomes a servant doing forced labor. (WEB).
...Spears (25 Occurrences)
... 14:8 Asa had an army that bore bucklers and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand;
and out of Benjamin, that bore shields and drewbows, two hundred...
Body-covers (25 Occurrences)
... hundred thousand men of Judah armed with body-covers and spears, and two hundred
and eighty thousand of Benjamin armed with body-covers andbows; all these...
Equipped (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed withbows, and could use both the right hand and
the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were...
Bend (29 Occurrences)
... Hebows his shoulder to the burden, and becomes a servant doing forced labor.
(See NIV).... Psalms 11:2 For, behold, the wicked bend theirbows....
Shields (44 Occurrences)
... 14:8 Asa had an army that bore bucklers and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand;
and out of Benjamin, that bore shields and drewbows, two hundred...
Swords (50 Occurrences)
... the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in the open places, I set there the
people after their families with their swords, their spears, and theirbows....
Shoot (51 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed withbows, and could use both the right hand and
the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were...
Arrows (59 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed withbows, and could use both the right hand and
the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were...
Warriors (75 Occurrences)
... little ones. (See NAS). 1 Samuel 2:4 Thebows of the men of war are broken,
and the feeble are clothed with strength. (See NIV). 2...
Resources
What is the significance of the Medo-Persian Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Hannah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian promote world peace? | GotQuestions.orgBows: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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