Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5538 sling

Used by shepherds to defend their flocks, it consisted of a strip of leather broad enough to contain a stone. A string was attached to each end of this strip. It was swung around fast and when one string was released the stone could be hurled out with great force and accuracy.

David felled Goliath with a stone from his sling

1 Samuel 17:40,49-50

Slings were also used by soldiers as weapons

Judges 20:16; 2 Kings 3:25; 1 Chronicles 12:2; 2 Chronicles 26:14

Slings were known for their destructive power

Job 41:28; Zechariah 9:15

Slings used metaphorically

1 Samuel 25:29; Proverbs 26:8; Jeremiah 10:18

See also

4366  stones
5210  arrows
5544  soldiers
5612  weapons
7784  shepherd