In the biblical context, military arms, often referred to as "instruments of war," play a significant role in the narratives of the Old and New Testaments. These instruments were essential for the defense and expansion of territories, as well as for the execution of divine judgment. The Bible provides numerous references to various offensive weapons used by ancient armies, reflecting the historical and cultural milieu of the times.

Swords and Spears

The sword is one of the most frequently mentioned offensive weapons in the Bible. It symbolizes power, authority, and divine judgment. In the Old Testament, swords were used by warriors and kings alike. For instance, in 1 Samuel 17:51, David uses Goliath's own sword to behead him after defeating the giant with a sling and a stone. The sword is also a metaphor for the Word of God, as seen in Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword."

Spears, another common weapon, were used for thrusting and throwing. They are often mentioned alongside swords, indicating their importance in battle. In 1 Samuel 18:11, King Saul attempts to pin David to the wall with a spear, highlighting the weapon's deadly potential.

Bows and Arrows

Bows and arrows were crucial for long-range combat. They allowed warriors to strike from a distance, providing a tactical advantage. The sons of Benjamin were renowned for their skill with the bow, as noted in 1 Chronicles 12:2: "They were armed with bows and could use both the right hand and the left to sling stones and shoot arrows from the bow."

The bow is also used metaphorically in the Bible to describe God's judgment and wrath. In Habakkuk 3:9, the prophet declares, "You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. Selah."

Chariots

Chariots were formidable instruments of war, often associated with the might of ancient armies. They provided mobility and a platform for archers and spearmen. The Egyptians famously pursued the Israelites with chariots during the Exodus, as described in Exodus 14:7: "He took six hundred of the best chariots, along with all the other chariots of Egypt, with officers over all of them."

Chariots are also symbolic of human reliance on military strength rather than divine protection. Psalm 20:7 states, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

Slings

The sling, though simple, was a deadly weapon in the hands of a skilled user. David's victory over Goliath with a sling and a stone is one of the most famous biblical accounts involving this weapon (1 Samuel 17:49). The sling's effectiveness lay in its ability to hurl stones with great speed and accuracy.

Axes and Clubs

Axes and clubs were used in close combat and for breaking through enemy defenses. They are less frequently mentioned but were nonetheless important in ancient warfare. In Judges 9:48, Abimelech uses an axe to cut down a branch, demonstrating the tool's utility in both combat and practical tasks.

Metaphorical Use

Beyond their literal use, instruments of war are often employed metaphorically in Scripture to convey spiritual truths. Ephesians 6:17 speaks of the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God," emphasizing the power of divine truth in spiritual warfare.

In summary, the Bible's references to military arms underscore their significance in historical battles and their symbolic meanings in spiritual contexts. These instruments of war reflect the realities of ancient life and the broader themes of divine justice and protection.1 Chronicles 12:33,37
Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Non-Resistants.
... "We register our testimony, not only against all wars, whether offensive or defensive ...
Hence we deem it unlawful to bear arms, or to hold a military office. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/non-resistants.htm

The Holy War,
... He arms Mansoul with the whole armour of Satan, which ... described with an extraordinary
knowledge of military terms and ... being most wicked, shall be called of men ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... Sixthly, The last thing to be considered, is revenge and war, an evil as ... of our
peaceable Lord and master Jesus Christ, who by excellency is called the Prince ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Third Continental Journey, or the Journey to Greece.
... A military man addressed me after the meeting, in English ... a large body of the citizens,
under arms, went out ... many of the streets narrow and offensive, for want ...
/.../chapter xi the third continental.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... up his success and assume the offensive, had not ... fervour would not, doubtless, have
restrained military zeal in case ... it discouraged the taste for arms and for ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... however, a striking example of the military spirit of ... as his reign advanced, he assumed
an offensive attitude; and ... with her infant in her arms, she cheerfully ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

Christian Cemeteries.
... suddenly become uneasy, troublesome, and offensive, impulsore Chresto ... the large number
of military inscriptions from ... infant Saviour in her arms, receiving the ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... the movement did not hesitate to assume the offensive with these ... of the Bast had
fallen before their arms, but they were purely military sovereigns, and ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... against him," and was, therefore, offensive to the ... Xth century BC The Philistine
arms are described at ... Egyptians, who were unrivalled in military operations at ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... Tiglath-pileser had, doubtless, held a military command before ... women, 12,000 men
capable of bearing arms, 23,335 oxen ... 15:47; 2 Kings 24:7, called "river" of ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

What can we learn from the tribe of Joseph? | GotQuestions.org

How many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the history of crucifixion? What was crucifixion like? | GotQuestions.org

Arms: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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