In biblical times, archers played a significant role in warfare and hunting, and their presence is noted throughout the Scriptures. The use of the bow and arrow is one of the earliest forms of weaponry mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing both physical prowess and divine judgment.

Old Testament References

The first mention of archery in the Bible is found in Genesis 21:20, where Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, is described as an archer: "And God was with the boy, and he grew up and settled in the wilderness and became a great archer." This early reference highlights the importance of archery skills for survival and defense in the ancient world.

Archers were integral to the military strategies of various nations surrounding Israel. In 1 Samuel 31:3, the archers of the Philistines are noted for their role in the death of King Saul: "When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically." This passage underscores the lethal effectiveness of archers in battle.

The tribe of Benjamin was renowned for its skilled archers. In 1 Chronicles 12:2, the Benjaminites who joined David at Ziklag are described as "armed with bows and able to shoot arrows or to sling stones with either hand." This ambidextrous ability made them formidable warriors.

Symbolism and Metaphor

Archery is often used metaphorically in the Bible to describe the precision and impact of God's judgment. In Lamentations 3:12-13, the prophet Jeremiah laments, "He bent His bow and set me as the target for His arrow. He pierced my kidneys with His arrows." Here, the imagery of God as an archer conveys the direct and personal nature of divine retribution.

The bow and arrow also symbolize strength and protection. In Psalm 127:4-5, children are likened to arrows in the hands of a warrior: "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." This passage reflects the value placed on offspring as a source of strength and legacy.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on archers, the imagery of the bow and arrow persists in apocalyptic literature. In Revelation 6:2, the first horseman of the apocalypse is depicted with a bow: "So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer." This vision symbolizes conquest and the unfolding of divine plans in the end times.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In the ancient Near East, archery was a crucial skill for both hunting and warfare. Bows were typically made from wood, horn, and sinew, and arrows were crafted with stone or metal tips. The ability to use a bow effectively was a mark of a skilled warrior, and archers were often part of elite military units.

The biblical portrayal of archers reflects the broader cultural and historical context of the ancient world, where mastery of the bow was essential for survival and success in both personal and national conflicts. Archers, therefore, are emblematic of strength, precision, and the far-reaching impact of both human and divine actions.3384. yarah -- to throw, shoot
... root Definition to throw, shoot NASB Word Usage archers (2), archers shot (1), archers*
(2), cast (3), cast them down (1), directed (1), instruct (4 ...
/hebrew/3384.htm - 6k

7411a. ramah -- to cast, shoot
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to cast, shoot NASB Word Usage archers (1),
bowman* (1), hurled (2). 7411, 7411a. ramah. 7411b . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7411a.htm - 5k

7198. qesheth -- a bow
... Word Origin perhaps from qush Definition a bow NASB Word Usage archers* (3), arrows
(1), bow (54), bowman* (1), bowmen (1), bows (13), bowshot* (1), rainbow (1 ...
/hebrew/7198.htm - 6k

1869. darak -- to tread, march
... root Definition to tread, march NASB Word Usage aimed (1), aims (1), archers* (1),
bend (6), bends his bend (1), bent (6), come (1), guide (1), lead (1), leads ...
/hebrew/1869.htm - 6k

1167. baal -- owner, lord
... Word Origin from baal Definition owner, lord NASB Word Usage allies* (1), archers*
(1), bird* (1), bound (1), bridegroom (1), captain (1), case* (1), charmer ...
/hebrew/1167.htm - 6k

3372b. yara -- to shoot, pour
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to shoot, pour NASB Word Usage archers shot
(1), shooting (1), watered (1). 3372a, 3372b. yara. 3373 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/3372b.htm - 5k

376. ish -- man
... man NASB Word Usage adulteress* (1), all (1), another (2), any (6), any man (21),
any man's (4), any one (3), anyone (16), anyone* (1), archers* (1), Benjamite ...
/hebrew/376.htm - 7k

2671. chets -- arrow
... arrows. Word Origin from chatsats Definition arrow NASB Word Usage archers*
(1), arrow (14), arrows (36), shaft (1), wound (1). archer ...
/hebrew/2671.htm - 6k

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... Joseph Attacked by the Archers. A Sermon (No.17). Delivered on Sunday Morning,
April 1, 1855, by the. REV. CH SPURGEON. At Exeter Hall, Strand. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

Jesus is Arrested.
... who hastened to rejoin Jesus when they heard the dispute which was going on, they
(notwithstanding the opposition of Judas) called up four archers, whom they ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter iii jesus is arrested.htm

The Carrying of the Cross.
... The archers led Jesus into the middle of the court, the slaves threw down the cross
at his feet, and the two arms were forthwith tied on to the centre piece. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxx the carrying of.htm

The Nailing of Jesus to the Cross.
... The preparations for the crucifixion being finished four archers went to the cave
where they had confined our Lord and dragged him out with their usual ...
/.../chapter xxxviii the nailing of.htm

The Opening of the Side of Jesus.
... Six archers soon after made their appearance, bringing with them ladders, spades,
ropes, and large iron staves for the purpose of breaking the legs of the ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlviii the opening of.htm

The End of Self-Will
... upon his sons; and the Philistines slew Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Melchi-shua,
Saul's sons.3. And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of self-will.htm

Jesus Condemned to be Crucified.
... Our Lord was still clothed in his purple garment, his crown of thorns upon his head,
and his hands manacled, when the archers brought him up to the tribunal ...
/.../chapter xxix jesus condemned to.htm

The Judgment on the City
... Archers were despatched on all sides for their arrest, and the mean wretch who had
seen Philip on his way to the cave of Macedonius gave eager information ...
/.../chapter vii the judgment on.htm

The Riot
... But, happily, at this moment a cry arose of The archers! the archers!' and the steady
march of armed men was heard approaching from the Golden Gate. ...
/.../gathering clouds a tale of the days of st chrysostom/chapter ii the riot.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... Thutmosis I.'s campaign in Syria"The organisation of the Egyptian army: the infantry
of the line, the archers, the horses, and the charioteers"The ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Archers (15 Occurrences)
...Archers (15 Occurrences). Genesis 49:23 The archers have sorely grieved him, shot
at him, and persecute him: (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/a/archers.htm - 11k

Archery
... shooting with a bow and arrows. 2. (n.) Archers, or bowmen, collectively. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ARCHERY. (1) The art of using ...
/a/archery.htm - 9k

Archer (5 Occurrences)
... A shooter with the bow (1 Chronicles 10:3). This art was of high antiquity (Genesis
21:20; 27:3). Saul was wounded by the Philistine archers (1 Samuel 31:3 ...
/a/archer.htm - 9k

Hit (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 31:3 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers hit
him; and he was sore wounded of the archers. (KJV WBS NAS). ...
/h/hit.htm - 11k

Overtook (35 Occurrences)
... (BBE NAS RSV). 1 Samuel 31:3 The battle went sore against Saul, and the archers
overtook him; and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers. ...
/o/overtook.htm - 17k

Anguish (75 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 31:3 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him;
and he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers. (See JPS). ...
/a/anguish.htm - 29k

Fierce (92 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 31:3 The battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and
he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers. (See NIV). ...
/f/fierce.htm - 34k

Terrified (88 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV). 1 Samuel 31:3 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers
came up with him; and he was much terrified by the archers. (DBY). ...
/t/terrified.htm - 30k

Distressed (70 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 31:3 The battle went sore against Saul, and the archers overtook him; and
he was greatly distressed by reason of the archers. (WEB ASV). ...
/d/distressed.htm - 27k

Wounded (114 Occurrences)
... (BBE YLT). 1 Samuel 31:3 And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers
hit him; and he was sore wounded of the archers. (KJV BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/w/wounded.htm - 37k

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