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Definition and Description:
A spear is a pole weapon consisting of a shaft, usually made of wood, with a pointed head. In biblical times, spears were commonly used as weapons of war and hunting tools. They were often made of iron or bronze and were a symbol of military power and authority.

Biblical References:

1.Old Testament Usage:
·Goliath's Spear: One of the most famous references to a spear in the Bible is the description of Goliath's weapon. In1 Samuel 17:7, the Berean Standard Bible states, "The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him." This highlights the formidable nature of Goliath's spear, emphasizing his strength and the challenge he posed to the Israelites.
·Saul's Spear: King Saul frequently used a spear, both as a symbol of his kingship and as a weapon. In1 Samuel 18:10-11 , it is recorded, "The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. While David was playing the harp as usual, Saul was holding a spear, and he hurled it, thinking, 'I will pin David to the wall.' But David eluded him twice." This passage illustrates Saul's jealousy and the tension between him and David.

2.New Testament Usage:
·The Spear at the Crucifixion: In the New Testament, a spear is mentioned in the context of Jesus' crucifixion.John 19:34 records, "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out." This act fulfilled the prophecy that not one of His bones would be broken (John 19:36) and is significant in Christian theology as it symbolizes the outpouring of grace and the sacrificial nature of Christ's death.

Symbolism and Significance:
In biblical literature, the spear often symbolizes power, authority, and aggression. It is a tool of both defense and offense, representing the might of warriors and kings. The spear's presence in key biblical narratives underscores themes of conflict, divine intervention, and prophecy fulfillment.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, spears were a common part of a soldier's arsenal. They were used in various forms, from javelins to long pikes, and were essential in both hand-to-hand combat and as thrown weapons. The construction and use of spears evolved over time, reflecting advancements in metallurgy and military tactics.

Theological Implications:
The use of the spear in biblical narratives often serves to highlight the sovereignty of God over human affairs. Whether in the hands of a giant like Goliath or a king like Saul, the ultimate outcome of battles and conflicts is depicted as being under divine control. The piercing of Jesus' side with a spear is particularly significant, as it is seen as a fulfillment of prophecy and a testament to the sacrificial love of Christ.

Conclusion:
While the spear is a simple weapon, its presence in the Bible carries deep symbolic and theological meanings. It serves as a reminder of the power struggles inherent in human history and the overarching narrative of God's redemptive plan.

Book ii. --Of the Harmony of the Old and New Laws.
... False with true veiling, turning rough with smooth,. 15 And, (masking hisspear's
point with rosy wreaths,). Slaying the unwary unforeseen with death. Supreme....

"In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . .
... 1:Sam.17:4). (b) Six pieces of armour are enumerated " helmet, coat of mail, greaves,
target, staff, and shield (1:Sam.17:5-7). (c) Hisspear's head weighed...

The Fourth vision "On Earth"
... The great defiers of God have been so stamped. Goliath was six cubits in height,
hisspear's head weighed six shekels, and he had six pieces of armour....

Spear's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceSpear's (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 17:7 The staff
of hisspear was like a weaver's beam; and hisspear's...

Spears (25 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:34 And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them with
shield andspear thirty and seven thousand. (See NIV)....

Weighed (44 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:7 The staff of hisspear was like a weaver's beam; and hisspear's head
weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his shield bearer went before him....

Weaver's (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:7 The staff of hisspear was like a weaver's beam; and hisspear's head
weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his shield bearer went before him....

Bearer (23 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:7 The staff of hisspear was like a weaver's beam; and hisspear's head
weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and his shield bearer went before him....

Shaft (13 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The long handle of aspear or similar weapon; hence, the weapon itself;
(Fig.) anything regarded as a shaft to be thrown or darted; as, shafts of light...

Spear (55 Occurrences)
... 7. (vt) To pierce with aspear; to kill with aspear; as, tospear a fish. 8. (vi)
To shoot into a long stem, as some plants....SPEAR; SPEARMEN. sper, sper'-men....

Shield-carrier (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Samuel 17:7 And the shaft of hisspear was like a weaver's beam; and hisspear's
head weighed six hundred shekels of iron; and his shield-bearer went before...

Shield (65 Occurrences)
... Then war was in the gates. Was there a shield orspear seen among forty thousand
in Israel? (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....

Shield-bearer (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:7 And the staff of hisspear was like a weaver's beam; and hisspear's
head weighed'six hundred shekels of iron: and his shield-bearer went before...

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