Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, javelins are mentioned as weapons used in warfare and personal combat. They are typically described as light spears designed for throwing, and they play a significant role in several biblical narratives, illustrating both the martial culture of ancient times and the providence of God in the lives of His people.Old Testament References The javelin is most prominently featured in the accounts of Saul and David. In 1 Samuel 18:10-11 , we read, "The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David was playing the harp, as he did day by day. Saul had a spear in his hand, and he hurled it, thinking, 'I will pin David to the wall.' But David eluded him twice." Here, the javelin (often translated as "spear" in some versions) is a symbol of Saul's growing jealousy and hostility towards David, who was anointed by God to be the next king of Israel. In 1 Samuel 19:9-10 , the narrative continues: "But one day an evil spirit from the LORD came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with his spear in hand. As David played the harp, Saul tried to pin him to the wall with the spear, but David eluded him, and the spear struck the wall. So David fled and escaped that night." The repeated attempts by Saul to kill David with a javelin underscore the tension between the two and highlight David's reliance on God's protection. Another significant mention of a javelin is found in the account of Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron. In Numbers 25:7-8 , during a time of Israelite idolatry and immorality, "When Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw this, he left the assembly, took a spear in his hand, and followed the Israelite into the tent. He drove the spear through both of them—through the Israelite and the woman—into her belly. So the plague against the Israelites was halted." Phinehas's decisive action with the javelin is portrayed as an act of zeal for the Lord, stopping a plague and earning him a covenant of peace from God. Symbolism and Cultural Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, the javelin was a common weapon used by soldiers and warriors. It was valued for its ability to be thrown from a distance, allowing the wielder to strike an enemy without engaging in close combat. The use of javelins in the Bible often symbolizes aggression, conflict, and the threat of violence. However, it also serves as a backdrop for demonstrating God's sovereignty and protection over His chosen individuals. The javelin's presence in biblical narratives also reflects the broader martial culture of the time, where physical prowess and weaponry were essential for survival and dominance. The accounts involving javelins often highlight the contrast between human intentions and divine intervention, as seen in the repeated failures of Saul to harm David, despite his aggressive use of the weapon. Conclusion While the javelin is a relatively minor element in the grand narrative of the Bible, its appearances are significant in illustrating themes of conflict, divine protection, and the unfolding of God's plan for His people. Through the accounts of Saul, David, and Phinehas, the javelin serves as a tool that reveals the hearts of men and the providence of God. Strong's Hebrew 7978. Shilchim -- a city in S. Judah... Shilhim. Plural of shelach; javelins or sprouts; Shilchim, a place in Palestine -- Shilhim. see HEBREW shelach. 7977, 7978. Shilchim. 7979 . Strong's Numbers /hebrew/7978.htm - 6k Library Vespasian, when He had Taken the City Gadaea Marches to Jotapata. ... The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty Great Surprises. Hymn for the Lighting of the Lamps The Christians are not the Only Contemners of the Gods Contempt of ... "My Times are in Thy Hand" So the Two Armies Drew Nigh; the Trumpets Gave the Signal... "Bought with a Price" The Shield of Faith The Various Emblems under which the Poets Veiled the Turpitude of ... Thesaurus Javelins (5 Occurrences)...Javelins (5 Occurrences). ... Joel 3:10 Beat your ploughshares to swords, And your pruning-hooks to javelins, Let the weak say, 'I 'am' mighty.' (YLT). ... /j/javelins.htm - 7k Javelin (16 Occurrences) Jaw (6 Occurrences) Weakling (1 Occurrence) Armor (53 Occurrences) Arms (166 Occurrences) Stations (8 Occurrences) Inhabit (29 Occurrences) Gird (44 Occurrences) Resources Who was Joab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an armor-bearer? Should there be a church position of armor-bearer? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Javelins (5 Occurrences)2 Samuel 18:14 Job 41:29 Jeremiah 46:4 Ezekiel 39:9 Joel 3:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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