In the biblical context, "terror" often refers to a profound fear or dread that can be both a divine instrument and a human experience. The Bible frequently depicts terror as a tool used by God to achieve His purposes, particularly in the context of judgment and warfare. For instance, in Deuteronomy 2:25 , God says, "This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the peoples everywhere under heaven, who, when they hear the report of you, will tremble and be in anguish because of you." Here, terror is a divine strategy to instill fear in Israel's enemies.

Terror is also portrayed as a consequence of disobedience to God. In Leviticus 26:16 , God warns the Israelites, "then I will do this to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting disease, and fever that will destroy your sight and drain your life." This passage illustrates how terror can be a form of divine retribution for covenant unfaithfulness.

In the prophetic literature, terror is often associated with the Day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment and cosmic upheaval. Isaiah 2:19 describes this vividly: "Men will flee to caves in the rocks and holes in the ground, away from the terror of the LORD and from the splendor of His majesty, when He rises to shake the earth."

The New Testament also addresses the concept of terror, particularly in the context of the final judgment. In 2 Corinthians 5:11 , Paul writes, "Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men." Here, the "fear of the Lord" can be understood as a reverent awe that includes an element of terror regarding God's righteous judgment.

Arrow

The term "arrow" in the Bible is often used both literally and metaphorically. Literally, arrows were a common weapon in ancient warfare, used by archers to strike enemies from a distance. In 1 Samuel 20:36 , Jonathan instructs a young boy, "Run and find the arrows I shoot." This passage highlights the practical use of arrows in communication and warfare.

Metaphorically, arrows are frequently used to symbolize God's judgment and the swift execution of His will. In Psalm 7:13 , it is written, "He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire." Here, arrows represent the instruments of divine justice, ready to be unleashed upon the wicked.

Arrows also symbolize the words and actions of individuals, often in a negative sense. In Psalm 64:3 , the psalmist describes the wicked as those "who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows." This metaphor illustrates the destructive power of malicious speech.

In the prophetic books, arrows are sometimes used to depict the inevitability and precision of God's plans. In Habakkuk 3:11 , the prophet writes, "Sun and moon stood still in their places at the flash of Your flying arrows, at the brightness of Your shining spear." This imagery conveys the unstoppable nature of God's intervention in human history.

Overall, the imagery of arrows in the Bible serves to communicate themes of warfare, judgment, and the power of words, reflecting both the physical realities of ancient life and the spiritual truths of God's interaction with humanity.