Arrow

(to shoot)

The basic tools and the techniques for hurling an arrow at its mark have evolved over the centuries, but the appearance of the bow and arrow of the past is nearly identical to the bow and arrow of the present. The arrows of Bible times consisted of a wood or reed shaft that was approximately thirty inches in length. An arrowhead made of bone, bronze, or iron was at one end of the shaft and the fletching composed of feathers was at the opposite end. The latter helped stabilize this nimble missile in flight. Ancient bows ranged from the simple convex arc to the composite bow that increased the killing range of the archer to more than two hundred yards and was already in the hands of hunters and soldiers by the time of Abraham.[6]

The physics behind shooting an arrow remains the same today as it was in Bible times. The potential energy housed within the muscles of the archer is transferred to the drawn bowstring and then released as kinetic energy when the bowstring recoils to its neutral position. Anyone with sufficient strength can make it work, but regular practice with bow and arrow is required to fire this weapon accurately. When Jonathan needed to deliver a message to David about the attitude of his father toward David without drawing undue attention, he engaged in an activity that was a normal part of his weekly routine. He took his bow and arrow outdoors to practice (1 Sam. 20:19–21, 35–37). Everyone who understood the skill required to shoot an arrow accurately also knew the risk of putting a fighter into the field without sufficient practice. The inspired poet of Proverbs 26 took it a step further in this simile: “Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives a neighbor and says, ‘I was only joking!’ ” (Prov. 26:18–19 TNIV).

This bow allowed an archer to fire lethal volleys of arrows while remaining safely outside the range of most other ancient weapons.

Apart from target practice, ancient artwork shows and the Bible mentions the shooting of an arrow in two settings: during the hunt and during war (Gen. 27:3; 1 Sam. 31:3; Jer. 50:14). We encounter the latter most frequently in the Bible. And when the biblical authors take special pains to mention the fact that Israelite soldiers were equipped to fire arrows, it is meant to portray an Israelite fighting unit as fully capable of effective combat, whether that be the rebel band of David or the army of King Uzziah (1 Chron. 12:1–2; 2 Chron. 26:11–15).

Two connotations are linked to shooting an arrow. First, those who fired arrows in combat did so from a relatively safe position compared with others who had to expose themselves while wielding sword, mace, or spear. When defending a city, soldiers fired arrows from above while using the city walls for protection (2 Sam. 11:20, 24), and when attacking a city from the outside, they shot arrows over the walls of the city while safely out of range of other weapons (Jer. 50:14), unseen in the “shadows” (Ps. 11:2; see also 64:4). Second, the flip side of that coin is the terror and panic that flying arrows could generate for those on the receiving end. A hail of arrows arrived unexpectedly and with lethal consequences. Only when we appreciate the terror they caused can we appreciate the peace that came with the assurance that arrows would not be shot. When the Assyrian Sennacherib was threatening to attack Jerusalem, King Hezekiah received this reassurance: “He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here” (2 Kings 19:32; Isa. 37:33).[7] What a blessing to live in a setting where “you will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day” (Ps. 91:5).

In the Bible we also find instances when the arrow being shot is metaphorical rather than literal. In the first instance, the biblical authors put a metaphorical bow in the Lord’s hands and note that he is shooting people instead of arrows. In Exodus 15:4 the best of the Egyptian military is “hurled”—that is, fired like an arrow—into the Red Sea. And in Job 30:19, the unfortunate Job says that the Lord “throws” him—again, fired like an arrow—into the mud. In both instances, it is not just the forceful delivery of the bow shot but the helplessness of the arrow that is in view.

Assyrian arrowheads made of iron were fired on the besieged Israelite city of Lachish.

The advance of God’s kingdom on earth was and is destined to meet opposition felt by God’s people. In this second instance, that opposition can come in the form of words or actions that are likened to the assault of arrows in the inspired poetry of the psalms: “For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart” (Ps. 11:2). “They shoot from ambush at the innocent; they shoot suddenly, without fear” (Ps. 64:4).

Finally, it is the Lord who also shoots metaphorical arrows that are emblematic of the victory he will win over all opposition. Though this action cannot be commended to our readers for replication, Elisha opened the window of his bedroom and fired an arrow through it. The firing of this arrow represented the victory of God’s people over Aram (2 Kings 13:17). Arrows shot by an unseen divine hand are even more effective than literal arrows in taking out opposition to God’s people and his kingdom. “But God will shoot them with his arrows; they will suddenly be struck down” (Ps. 64:7; see also 144:6 and 2 Sam. 22:15).