Topical Bible: Bows

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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 ...
/hebrew/7198.htm - 6k

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 ...
/hebrew/7817.htm - 6k

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 ...
/hebrew/7812.htm - 6k

Library

My Spirit Bows in Adoration to the Cross, which is a Stumbling ...
... Chapter XVIII. My spirit bows in adoration to the cross, which is a
stumbling-block to those who? My spirit bows in adoration ...
/.../chapter xviii my spirit bows.htm

On the Second Part of the Psalm.
... 3. "And their bows shall be broken." What is meant by, "And their bows shall
be broken"? Their plots shall be frustrated. For above ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/on the second part of.htm

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 their bows.14. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/discouragements and courage.htm

Of Holy Obedience
... When the ox bows 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 ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xvii of holy obedience.htm

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." He bows down His ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxvi.htm

Christ's Prayer Answered.
... GOD LISTENS. When Christ opens His mouth, God bows down His ear. ... The aged man bows
his head upon his staff and weeps. "For what are you weeping, old man?". ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter iv christs prayer answered.htm

The Liturgy of the Blessed Apostles.
... The Priest draws near to celebrate, and thrice bows before the altar, the middle
of which he kisses, then the right and the left horn of the altar; and bows to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/early liturgies/the liturgy of the blessed.htm

Psalm LXXVIII.
... 8. Lastly, "The sons of Ephrem bending and shooting bows, have been turned back
in the day of war" (ver.9). Following after the law of righteousness, unto the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxviii.htm

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 and bows, which do much hurt, but not so much as the ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon made by m.htm

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 the bows and the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how sennacherib made.htm

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). ...
/b/bows.htm - 15k

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 drew bows, two hundred ...
/s/spears.htm - 14k

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 and bows; all these ...
/b/body-covers.htm - 14k

Equipped (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and
the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were ...
/e/equipped.htm - 11k

Bend (29 Occurrences)
... He bows his shoulder to the burden, and becomes a servant doing forced labor.
(See NIV). ... Psalms 11:2 For, behold, the wicked bend their bows. ...
/b/bend.htm - 16k

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 drew bows, two hundred ...
/s/shields.htm - 19k

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 their bows. ...
/s/swords.htm - 22k

Shoot (51 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and
the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were ...
/s/shoot.htm - 24k

Arrows (59 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and
the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were ...
/a/arrows.htm - 25k

Warriors (75 Occurrences)
... little ones. (See NAS). 1 Samuel 2:4 The bows of the men of war are broken,
and the feeble are clothed with strength. (See NIV). 2 ...
/w/warriors.htm - 27k

Resources

What is the significance of the Medo-Persian Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Hannah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian promote world peace? | GotQuestions.org

Bows: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Bows (28 Occurrences)

Genesis 49:15
He saw a resting place, that it was good, the land, that it was pleasant. He bows his shoulder to the burden, and becomes a servant doing forced labor.
(WEB)

Genesis 49:24
But their bows were broken by a strong one, and the cords of their arms were cut by the Strength of Jacob, by the name of the Stone of Israel:
(BBE)

Judges 7:5
So he brought down the people to the water; and Yahweh said to Gideon, "Everyone who laps of the water with his tongue, like a dog laps, you shall set him by himself; likewise everyone who bows down on his knees to drink."
(WEB)

1 Samuel 2:4
"The bows of the mighty men are broken. Those who stumbled are girded with strength.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Chronicles 12:2
They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were of Saul's brothers of Benjamin.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

2 Chronicles 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 drew bows, two hundred eighty thousand: all these were mighty men of valor.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 17:17
And the captains of Benjamin: Eliada, a great man of war, and with him two hundred thousand armed with bows and body-covers;
(BBE NIV)

2 Chronicles 26:14
Uzziah prepared for them, even for all the army, shields, and spears, and helmets, and coats of mail, and bows, and stones for slinging.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Nehemiah 4:13
Therefore set I in 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 their bows.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Nehemiah 4:16
It happened from that time forth, that half of my servants worked in the work, and half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Nehemiah 9:6
Thou 'art' He, O Jehovah, Thyself -- Thou hast made the heavens, the heavens of the heavens, and all their host, the earth and all that 'are' on it, the seas and all that 'are' in them, and Thou art keeping all of them alive, and the host of the heavens to Thee are bowing themselves.
(See NAS)

Psalms 10:10
He croucheth, he boweth down, and the helpless fall into his mighty claws.
(See NAS)

Psalms 11:2
For, behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrows on the strings, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.
(WEB BBE NIV)

Psalms 21:12
For you will make them turn their back, when you aim drawn bows at their face.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV)

Psalms 37:14
The evil-doers have taken out their swords, their bows are bent; for crushing the poor, and to put to death those who are upright in their ways.
(BBE RSV)

Psalms 37:15
Their sword shall enter into their own heart. Their bows shall be broken.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 64:3
Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:
(KJV WBS)

Psalms 78:9
The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.
(WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS NAS NIV)

Isaiah 5:28
whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent. Their horses' hoofs will be like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 7:24
With arrows and with bows shall men come thither; because all the land shall become briers and thorns.
(KJV BBE WBS NAS)

Isaiah 13:18
Their bows will dash the young men in pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb. Their eyes will not spare children.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 44:15
And it hath been for man to burn, And he taketh of them, and becometh warm, Yea, he kindleth 'it', and hath baked bread, Yea, he maketh a god, and boweth himself, He hath made it a graven image, And he falleth down to it.
(See NIV)

Isaiah 44:17
The rest of it he makes into a god, even his engraved image. He bows down to it and worships, and prays to it, and says, "Deliver me; for you are my god!"
(WEB NIV)

Isaiah 46:1
Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols are on the animals, and on the livestock: the things that you carried about are made a load, a burden to the weary animal.
(WEB RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 46:9
Go up, you horses; go rushing on, you carriages of war; go out, you men of war: Cush and Put, gripping the body-cover, and the Ludim, with bent bows.
(BBE)

Jeremiah 50:42
Bows and spears are in their hands; they are cruel and have no mercy; their voice is like the thunder of the sea, and they go on horses; everyone in his place like men going to the fight, against you, O daughter of Babylon.
(BBE NIV)

Jeremiah 51:56
for the destroyer is come on her, even on Babylon, and her mighty men are taken, their bows are broken in pieces; for Yahweh is a God of recompenses, he will surely requite.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 39:9
Those who dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall make fires of the weapons and burn them, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the war clubs, and the spears, and they shall make fires of them seven years;
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Bows

Related Terms

Bows (28 Occurrences)

Bow-shot (1 Occurrence)

Hagar (15 Occurrences)

Ephesus (20 Occurrences)