Topical Encyclopedia The term "battlebow" refers to a type of weapon used in ancient warfare, specifically mentioned in the context of biblical narratives. The battlebow is a symbol of military strength and prowess, often associated with the might of warriors and the defense of nations. In the biblical context, the battlebow is not only a physical weapon but also a metaphor for divine intervention and the power of God in the battles faced by His people.Biblical References: 1. Zechariah 9:10 : "I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. Then He will proclaim peace to the nations. His dominion will extend from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth." In this prophetic vision, the breaking of the battlebow signifies the cessation of war and the establishment of peace under the reign of the Messiah. The imagery suggests a future where reliance on military might is replaced by the sovereign rule of God, bringing harmony to the nations. 2. Zechariah 10:4 : "From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler together." This passage highlights the leadership and strength that will emerge from Judah. The battlebow here symbolizes the military and political power that will be wielded by the leaders arising from this tribe, underlining the divine favor and authority bestowed upon them. Symbolism and Interpretation: In the biblical narrative, the battlebow is often used to represent the might and readiness for battle. It is a tool of warfare, essential for the defense and expansion of territories. However, its symbolic meaning extends beyond mere physical combat. The breaking of the battlebow, as seen in Zechariah 9:10, is a powerful image of the transition from human reliance on military strength to divine peace and governance. The battlebow also serves as a metaphor for God's intervention in the affairs of nations. It represents the divine empowerment of His chosen leaders and the assurance of victory through His guidance. The prophetic literature often uses the imagery of the battlebow to convey messages of hope, restoration, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over earthly powers. Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the bow was a common weapon used by warriors and armies. It was an essential part of a soldier's arsenal, used for both offense and defense. The construction and use of bows varied, but they were typically made from wood, horn, and sinew, designed to launch arrows with precision and force. The battlebow's significance in the biblical text reflects the historical reality of warfare during the times of the Old Testament. It was a period marked by frequent conflicts, where the strength of a nation's army often determined its survival and prosperity. The biblical authors used the imagery of the battlebow to communicate deeper spiritual truths about God's sovereignty and the ultimate futility of relying solely on human strength. Theological Implications: The references to the battlebow in Scripture underscore the theme of divine sovereignty over human affairs. While the battlebow is a symbol of human power, its breaking signifies the supremacy of God's will and the establishment of His peace. This theological perspective emphasizes the belief that true security and victory come not from military might but from faith in God's promises and His providential care. In summary, the battlebow in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of both human strength and divine intervention. It reflects the historical realities of ancient warfare while pointing to the spiritual truths of God's ultimate authority and the hope of peace through His reign. Easton's Bible Dictionary The war-bow used in fighting (Zechariah 9:10; 10:4). "Thy bow was made quite naked" (Habakkuk 3:9) means that it was made ready for use. By David's order (2 Samuel 1:18) the young men were taught the use, or rather the song of the bow. (see ARMOUR, BOW.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BATTLE-BOWbat'-'-l-bo: Found in the striking Messianic prophecy: "The battle bow shall be cut off" (Zechariah 9:10). The prophet is predicting the peace that shall prevail when Zion's king cometh, "just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, even upon a colt the foal of an ass." The words convey their full significance only when read in the light of the context: "I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off; and he shall speak peace unto the nations" (compare Zechariah 10:4). The battle-bow was sometimes made of tough wood, sometimes of two straight horns joined together (Hom. II. iv.105-11), and sometimes of bronze. In Psalm 18:34 the Revised Version (British and American) we find "bow of brass," but it probably should be of "bronze" (nechosheth), a metal very different from our brass, which is a mixture of copper and zinc. The point of the passage in this connection ("He teacheth my hands to war; so that mine arms do bend a bow of bronze"), as well as of that in 2 Kings 9:24 ("And Jehu drew his bow with his full strength") is that it required great strength to bend the battle-bow. Thesaurus Battlebow/b/battlebow.htm - 8k Battle-bow (2 Occurrences) Battle-axe (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |