The term "rifle" does not appear in the Bible, as firearms were not developed until many centuries after the biblical texts were written. However, the concept of weaponry and the use of arms for defense and warfare are prevalent throughout the Scriptures. In the Bible, weapons such as swords, spears, and bows are frequently mentioned, serving as tools for protection, hunting, and combat.

Biblical Context of Weaponry

In the Old Testament, weapons are often associated with the defense of the nation of Israel and the execution of God’s judgment. For instance, David famously used a sling to defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17:49-50), demonstrating the use of available weapons to achieve victory through divine assistance. The Israelites were frequently engaged in battles, and their armaments were crucial for their survival and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

The New Testament shifts the focus from physical warfare to spiritual battles. The Apostle Paul writes about the "armor of God" in Ephesians 6:10-18, emphasizing spiritual readiness and the use of faith, righteousness, and the Word of God as metaphorical weapons against spiritual adversaries.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the use of weapons, including modern firearms like rifles, can be viewed through the lens of stewardship, justice, and the protection of life. The Bible upholds the sanctity of life, and the use of force is often justified in the context of self-defense or the defense of others. In Luke 22:36, Jesus advises His disciples to buy a sword, which some interpret as an acknowledgment of the need for self-defense.

Modern Considerations

In contemporary discussions, the use of rifles and other firearms is often debated within Christian communities, balancing the right to self-defense with the call to live peaceably with others (Romans 12:18). The principle of loving one's neighbor (Mark 12:31) and the pursuit of peace (Hebrews 12:14) are central to Christian ethics, guiding believers in their approach to modern weaponry.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not directly address rifles, the principles found in Scripture regarding the use of weapons, the protection of life, and the pursuit of peace provide a framework for understanding the role of firearms in a Christian context. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and discernment in aligning their actions with biblical teachings.4649. skopos -- a watchman, a mark (on which to fix the eye)
... 4649 (the root of the English term, "scope," like the zoom-scope on a rifle to hit
the target) -- properly, the "end-marker" of a foot-race; (figuratively) the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4649.htm - 7k8155. shasas -- to spoil, plunder
... root Definition to spoil, plunder NASB Word Usage plunder (2), plundered (4). rifle,
spoil. A primitive root; to plunder -- rifle, spoil. 8154, 8155. ...
/hebrew/8155.htm - 5k

One Way to Help Boys
... He calls you "Captain." Each boy has a rifle that costs a dollar; but there
is no firing. There is a bayonet drill without a bayonet. ...
/.../stones rolled away and other addresses to young men/iii one way to help.htm

Withholding Corn
... forbear to preach upon it. It seems to force itself upon me, and to bore
its way into my soul like a rifle shot. I thought it over ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/withholding corn.htm

The Shield of Faith
... heard of. Probably, if he had lived to-day, he would have spoken of
rifle-bullets or explosive shells, instead of fiery darts. But ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the shield of faith.htm

Also in the Preface of his Commentary on Micah, which was Written ...
... "As to what they say, that it is not right for me to rifle the works of Origen,
and thereby to defile the writings of the ancients, they think this a telling ...
/.../15 also in the preface.htm

Buying a Slave Girl
... Bibles. Mr. Beecher told his congregation that just then a Sharps rifle
was as good a missionary to send as a Bible. Accordingly ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/buying a slave girl.htm

Criticisms on "The Origin of Species. "
... According to Teleology, each organism is like a rifle bullet fired straight at a
mark; according to Darwin, organisms are like grapeshot of which one hits ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/xiii criticisms on the origin.htm

Our Stronghold
... The enemy will rifle their deserted farms, and search for hidden treasure, and finding
that the inhabitants are quite beyond their reach, they will betake ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/our stronghold.htm

The Holidays at Thagaste
... time. So one fine evening the reckless crew took it into their heads to
rifle a pear tree of one of Patricius's neighbours. This ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/vi the holidays at thagaste.htm

What Life May be Made
... If it is supposed to mean that our religion is a kind of key to God's storehouse,
enabling us to go in there and rifle it at our pleasure, then it is not true ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/what life may be made.htm

The Blessing of Mercy,
... "Give him a drink of water," said the officer. As he turned aside, the wounded man
raised his rifle and fired at the officer, the bullet just missing him. ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xxxix the blessing of.htm

Rifled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus