Topical Encyclopedia The term "arrowsnake" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, the imagery of snakes and arrows is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, often symbolizing danger, deceit, and divine judgment. In the biblical context, both snakes and arrows are used metaphorically to convey messages of caution, spiritual warfare, and the consequences of sin.Snakes in the Bible Snakes are frequently mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing evil, temptation, and the presence of Satan. The most notable reference is in Genesis 3, where the serpent tempts Eve in the Garden of Eden, leading to the fall of man. The serpent is described as "more cunning than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made" (Genesis 3:1). This association with cunning and deceit is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to snakes when addressing the Pharisees, calling them a "brood of vipers" (Matthew 12:34), highlighting their hypocrisy and evil intentions. The imagery of snakes is also used in Revelation to describe Satan as "that ancient serpent" (Revelation 12:9), reinforcing the connection between serpents and the forces of evil. Arrows in the Bible Arrows are often used in the Bible as symbols of God's judgment and the instruments of His wrath. In Deuteronomy 32:23, God warns of His impending judgment on Israel, saying, "I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend My arrows against them" . This imagery conveys the precision and inevitability of divine retribution. Arrows also symbolize the attacks of the wicked. In Psalm 64:3, the psalmist describes the wicked as those "who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows" . This metaphor illustrates the destructive power of malicious speech and deceit. Spiritual Warfare The combination of snake and arrow imagery can be understood within the broader context of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:16 advises believers to take up "the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one" . Here, arrows represent the spiritual attacks and temptations that believers face, while the snake symbolizes the cunning and deceitful nature of these attacks. Symbolism and Interpretation From a conservative Christian perspective, the imagery of snakes and arrows serves as a powerful reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance and faith. Believers are called to be aware of the enemy's tactics, to rely on God's protection, and to stand firm in their faith. While the term "arrowsnake" itself is not found in the Bible, the combination of these symbols can be seen as a representation of the subtle and dangerous nature of sin and the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of spiritual challenges. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARROWSNAKEar'-o-snak: In Isaiah 34:15 the Hebrew word kippoz, which in the King James Version is rendered "great owl," is in the English Revised Version rendered "arrowsnake," and in the American Standard Revised Version "dart-snake." Gesenius, who translates "arrowsnake," says "so called from the spring with which it propels itself." Others, from the mention of "make her nest, lay, and hatch," think some kind of bird is meant. See OWL; SERPENT. Library Isaiah's Discourse Thesaurus Arrowsnake (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARROWSNAKE. ar'-o ... is meant. See OWL; SERPENT. Multi-Version Concordance Arrowsnake (1 Occurrence). ... /a/arrowsnake.htm - 7k Serpent (40 Occurrences) Falcons (1 Occurrence) Twos (7 Occurrences) Eggs (7 Occurrences) Protection (19 Occurrences) Arrow-snake (1 Occurrence) Arrows (59 Occurrences) Owl (11 Occurrences) Hawks (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Arrowsnake (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 34:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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