Topical Encyclopedia A lance is a long weapon with a pointed head, often used by cavalry soldiers in ancient and medieval warfare. While the term "lance" itself does not appear in the Bible, similar weapons such as spears and javelins are frequently mentioned. These weapons were commonly used in biblical times for both hunting and combat.Biblical References and Context 1. Spears and Javelins: The Bible often refers to spears and javelins, which are similar to lances in their function and design. For instance, in 1 Samuel 17:7, the description of Goliath's weaponry includes a spear: "The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels." This highlights the formidable nature of such weapons in ancient warfare. 2. Symbol of Power and Authority: In biblical narratives, the spear or lance can symbolize power and authority. In 1 Samuel 18:10-11, King Saul attempts to pin David to the wall with his spear, demonstrating both his authority and his intent to harm: "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 usual. Saul had a spear in his hand, and he hurled it, thinking, 'I will pin David to the wall.' But David eluded him twice." 3. Divine Protection: The use of spears and similar weapons in the Bible also underscores the theme of divine protection. In 2 Samuel 22:35, David praises God for training his hands for battle: "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze." This verse reflects the belief that God equips His people with the skills and strength needed for defense and victory. 4. Prophetic Imagery: In prophetic literature, weapons like lances are sometimes used metaphorically to describe the coming of peace. Isaiah 2:4 speaks of a future time when nations will transform their weapons into tools for agriculture: "He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." 5. New Testament Allusions: While the New Testament does not directly mention lances, the imagery of weapons is used metaphorically to describe spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:16-17 encourages believers to take up the "shield of faith" and the "sword of the Spirit," emphasizing the spiritual nature of the Christian's battle. Cultural and Historical Significance In the ancient Near East, the spear or lance was a common weapon among soldiers and warriors. It was typically made of wood with a metal tip and was used for thrusting or throwing. The effectiveness of such weapons in battle made them a symbol of military strength and prowess. The biblical portrayal of weapons like the lance reflects the realities of ancient warfare while also conveying deeper spiritual truths. The use of these weapons in Scripture serves as a reminder of the physical and spiritual battles faced by God's people and the ultimate victory promised through faith and divine intervention. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A weapon of war, consisting of a long shaft or handle and a steel blade or head; a spear carried by horsemen, and often decorated with a small flag; also, a spear or harpoon used by whalers and fishermen.2. (n.) A soldier armed with a lance; a lancer. 3. (n.) A small iron rod which suspends the core of the mold in casting a shell. 4. (n.) An instrument which conveys the charge of a piece of ordnance and forces it home. 5. (n.) One of the small paper cases filled with combustible composition, which mark the outlines of a figure. 6. (v. t.) To pierce with a lance, or with any similar weapon. 7. (v. t.) To open with a lancet; to pierce; as, to lance a vein or an abscess. 8. (v. t.) To throw in the manner of a lance. See Launch. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LANCE; LANCER; LANCETlans, lan'-ser, lan'-set. See ARMOR, III, 4, (3); 1 Kings 18:28 the Revised Version (British and American) "lances." Greek 3057. logche -- a lance or spear ... a lance or spear. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: logche Phonetic Spelling: (long'-khay) Short Definition: a lance, spear Definition: a lance ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3057.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 7420. romach -- a spear, lance... 7419, 7420. romach. 7421 . a spear, lance. Transliteration: romach Phonetic Spelling: (ro'-makh) Short Definition: spears. Word ... /hebrew/7420.htm - 6k 8301b. shiryah -- (a weapon) perhaps a lance, javelin 3591. kidon -- a dart, javelin 4294. matteh -- a staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe 2595. chanith -- a spear 7013. qayin -- a spear 1128. Ben-deqer -- "son of Deker," one of Solomon's leaders 1265. berosh -- cypress or fir Library Appendix. Detached Account of Longinus. The Opening of the Side of Jesus. It was a Clear Morning and the Tenth Day Before the Kalends of ... There have Come to Me Ransomers from among the Saints, but None ... His Murdered Father's Head The Characters of Herod and Augustus were as Far Apart as their ... Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Words of Jesus on the Cross. That Evening Vergilius Went to Feast with the Young Herodian ... The Adventures of Saint David of Wales. The Song of the Little Baltung. AD 395 Thesaurus Lance (7 Occurrences)... fishermen. 2. (n.) A soldier armed with a lance; a lancer. 3. (n ... 6. (vt) To pierce with a lance, or with any similar weapon. 7. (vt) To ... /l/lance.htm - 9k Taint (1 Occurrence) Tilt (2 Occurrences) Lancer Javelin (16 Occurrences) Launch (3 Occurrences) Chariot (102 Occurrences) Overtaker (1 Occurrence) Lancet Lamp-stands (5 Occurrences) Resources Was Longinus the name of the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus with the spear? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Awana? | GotQuestions.org What was the leviathan? | GotQuestions.org Lance: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Lance (7 Occurrences)John 19:34 2 Samuel 21:16 Job 39:23 Job 41:26 Job 41:29 Psalms 35:3 Jeremiah 50:42 Subtopics Related Terms |