Topical Encyclopedia The term "battle-bow" refers to a type of weapon used in ancient warfare, prominently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of military strength and divine intervention. The battle-bow was a crucial component of the arsenal of ancient Near Eastern armies, including those of Israel, and is often used metaphorically in Scripture to convey themes of power, victory, and divine judgment.Biblical References: 1. Zechariah 9:10 : "I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. Then He will proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion will extend from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth." In this prophetic vision, the breaking of the battle-bow signifies the cessation of war and the establishment of peace under the Messiah's reign. The imagery underscores the transition from human reliance on military might to divine governance and peace. 2. Zechariah 10:4 : "From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler together." Here, the battle-bow is associated with leadership and strength emerging from the tribe of Judah. It symbolizes the empowerment and authority that God bestows upon His chosen leaders, ultimately pointing to the Messiah, who embodies these attributes. 3. Habakkuk 3:9 : "You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. You split the earth with rivers." In this passage, the battle-bow is depicted as an instrument of divine judgment. The imagery of God wielding the bow emphasizes His sovereignty and power over creation, executing justice and delivering His people. Symbolism and Interpretation: In biblical literature, the battle-bow serves as a potent symbol of both human and divine power. It represents the might of warriors and the military capabilities of nations. However, its ultimate significance lies in its association with God's intervention in human affairs. The breaking of the battle-bow, as seen in Zechariah, symbolizes the end of human conflict and the ushering in of divine peace. The battle-bow also highlights the theme of divine empowerment. Leaders and deliverers, such as those from the tribe of Judah, are depicted as possessing the battle-bow, indicating their God-given authority and strength to lead and protect God's people. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, the bow was a primary weapon used by archers in battle. It was valued for its range and effectiveness in combat. The construction of bows varied, with some made from wood and others from composite materials, enhancing their strength and flexibility. The skill of an archer was highly regarded, and the bow itself became a symbol of martial prowess. The biblical use of the battle-bow metaphorically reflects the cultural importance of this weapon while also conveying deeper theological truths about God's power and the ultimate futility of relying solely on human strength for security and victory. In summary, the battle-bow in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol that conveys themes of strength, divine intervention, and the transition from human warfare to divine peace. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the ultimate hope for a world governed by His justice and peace. Easton's Bible Dictionary The war-bow used in fighting (Zechariah 9:10; 10:4). "Thy bow was made quite naked" (Habakkuk 3:9) means that it was made ready for use. By David's order (2 Samuel 1:18) the young men were taught the use, or rather the song of the bow. (see ARMOUR, BOW.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BATTLE-BOWbat'-'-l-bo: Found in the striking Messianic prophecy: "The battle bow shall be cut off" (Zechariah 9:10). The prophet is predicting the peace that shall prevail when Zion's king cometh, "just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, even upon a colt the foal of an ass." The words convey their full significance only when read in the light of the context: "I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off; and he shall speak peace unto the nations" (compare Zechariah 10:4). The battle-bow was sometimes made of tough wood, sometimes of two straight horns joined together (Hom. II. iv.105-11), and sometimes of bronze. In Psalm 18:34 the Revised Version (British and American) we find "bow of brass," but it probably should be of "bronze" (nechosheth), a metal very different from our brass, which is a mixture of copper and zinc. The point of the passage in this connection ("He teacheth my hands to war; so that mine arms do bend a bow of bronze"), as well as of that in 2 Kings 9:24 ("And Jehu drew his bow with his full strength") is that it required great strength to bend the battle-bow. Library The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints Because of Its Bearing Upon Israel. The Entry into Jerusalem. A New Kind of King The Cry of the Heathen The Seventh vision "In Heaven" Thesaurus Battlebow... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BATTLE-BOW. bat'-'-l-bo: Found in the striking Messianic prophecy: "The battlebow shall be cut off" (Zechariah 9:10). ... /b/battlebow.htm - 8k Battle-bow (2 Occurrences) Nail (9 Occurrences) Exactor (9 Occurrences) Peg (8 Occurrences) Battle-axe (2 Occurrences) Battlefield (2 Occurrences) Stake (2 Occurrences) Corner-stone (10 Occurrences) Resources What is the Book of Jasher and should it be in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy would a king ride a donkey instead of a warhorse (Zechariah 9:9-10)? | GotQuestions.org When is civil disobedience allowed for a Christian? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Battle-bow (2 Occurrences)Zechariah 9:10 Zechariah 10:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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