Bow and arrow

A weapon used for hunting and in warfare. In the Scriptures the tongue is likened to a bow and unfaithful Israel to a faulty bow. The bow is also symbolic of military power.

The bow and arrow used for hunting

Genesis 27:3 See also Isaiah 7:24

Take your weapons — your quiver and bow — and go out into the field to hunt some game for me.

The bow and arrow used in warfare

Genesis 48:22; 1 Kings 22:34 parallel 2 Chronicles 18:33 See also Joshua 24:12; 1 Samuel 2:4, 1 Samuel 18:4; 2 Samuel 1:22, 2 Samuel 22:35 parallel Psalm 18:34; 2 Kings 9:24; 2 Chronicles 14:8 Asa's army; 2 Chronicles 26:14; Nehemiah 4:13, Nehemiah 4:16; Isaiah 5:28, Isaiah 13:18; Jeremiah 6:23, Jeremiah 50:14, Jeremiah 50:29

And to you, as one who is above your brothers, I give the ridge of land that I took from the Amorites with my sword and bow.”

However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!”

The tongue likened to a bow

Jeremiah 9:3 See also Psalm 64:2–4

“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD.

Unfaithful Israel likened to a faulty bow

Psalm 78:57 See also Hosea 7:16

They turned back and were faithless like their fathers, twisted like a faulty bow.

The bow as a symbol of power and strength

Of military power

Psalm 44:6–7, Psalm 60:4 See also Genesis 49:24; Psalm 46:9; Hosea 1:5, Hosea 1:7, Hosea 2:18; Zechariah 9:10

For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me. For You save us from our enemies; You put those who hate us to shame.

You have raised a banner for those who fear You, that they may flee the bow. Selah

Of God's power in judgment

Psalm 7:11–12 See also Psalm 21:11–12; Lamentations 2:4, Lamentations 3:12; Habakkuk 3:9; Zechariah 9:13; Revelation 6:2

God is a righteous judge and a God who feels indignation each day. If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow.

Of personal strength and vigour

Job 29:20 See also Job 30:11

My glory is ever new within me, and my bow is renewed in my hand.’