Bow

The bow was in use in early times both in war and in the chase (Gen 21:20; 27:3; 48:22). The tribe of Benjamin were famous for the use of the bow (1 Chr 8:40; 12:2; 2 Chr 14:8; 17:17); so also were the Elamites (Isa 22:6) and the Lydians (Jer 46:9). The Hebrew word commonly used for bow means properly to tread (1 Chr 5:18; 8:40), and hence it is concluded that the foot was employed in bending the bow. Bows of steel (correctly “copper”) are mentioned (2 Sam 22:35; Ps 18:34).

The arrows were carried in a quiver (Gen 27:3; Isa 22:6; 49:2; Ps 127:5). They were apparently sometimes shot with some burning material attached to them (Ps 120:4).

The bow is a symbol of victory (Ps 7:12). It denotes also falsehood, deceit (Ps 64:3, 4; Hos 7:16; Jer 9:3).

“The use of the bow” in 2 Sam 1:18 (A.V.) ought to be “the song of the bow,” as in the Revised Version.