Definition and Context:
Shooting, in the context of the Bible, generally refers to the act of discharging arrows from a bow. This activity is often associated with warfare, hunting, and sometimes metaphorically in the scriptures. The use of bows and arrows was a common practice in ancient times, serving as a primary means of combat and survival.

Biblical References:
The Bible contains several references to shooting, particularly in the context of battle and skill. One of the earliest mentions is found in Genesis 21:20, where it is noted that God was with Ishmael as he grew, and he became an archer. This indicates the importance of archery as a skill and a means of livelihood.

In 1 Samuel 20:36-37, Jonathan uses shooting as a means of communication with David. He instructs a young boy to retrieve arrows he shoots as a signal to David about King Saul's intentions. This passage highlights the strategic use of shooting beyond mere combat.

Psalm 64:3-4 metaphorically describes the wicked as those who "sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, shooting from ambush at the innocent." Here, shooting is used to illustrate the stealth and harm of malicious speech.

Symbolism and Metaphor:
Shooting in the Bible often symbolizes precision, intent, and sometimes the hidden or unexpected nature of actions. In Jeremiah 9:8, the prophet laments, "Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully." This metaphorical use underscores the destructive power of words, akin to the lethal nature of an arrow.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
The act of shooting, particularly in warfare, is depicted with a sense of gravity and moral weight. The Bible often emphasizes the righteousness of one's cause in battle. For instance, in 2 Kings 13:17, Elisha instructs King Jehoash to shoot an arrow as a symbol of the Lord's deliverance over Aram, indicating divine approval and support for the action.

Skill and Training:
The Bible acknowledges the skill involved in shooting. In 1 Chronicles 12:2, the men who joined David at Ziklag are described as being able to "shoot arrows or sling stones with either hand," highlighting their prowess and versatility in battle. This suggests that proficiency in shooting was a valued and necessary skill for warriors.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Israel and surrounding cultures, archery was a significant aspect of military training and hunting practices. The ability to shoot accurately was crucial for survival and success in conflicts. The Bible reflects this cultural reality, often portraying archers as key figures in military narratives.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not provide extensive theological discourse on shooting, it is clear that the act is woven into the fabric of biblical history and metaphor. Whether in literal or figurative contexts, shooting serves as a powerful image of intent, skill, and the potential for both protection and harm.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Shoot.

2. (n.) The act of one who, or that which, shoots; as, the shooting of an archery club; the shooting of rays of light.

3. (n.) A wounding or killing with a firearm; specifically (Sporting), the killing of game; as, a week of shooting.

4. (n.) A sensation of darting pain; as, a shooting in one's head.

5. (a.) of or pertaining to shooting; for shooting; darting.

7198. qesheth -- a bow
... From qashah in the original sense (of qowsh) of bending: a bow, for shooting (hence,
figuratively, strength) or the iris -- X arch(-er), + arrow, bow((-man ...
/hebrew/7198.htm - 6k

3372b. yara -- to shoot, pour
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to shoot, pour NASB Word Usage archers shot
(1), shooting (1), watered (1). 3372a, 3372b. yara. 3373 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/3372b.htm - 5k

But that You May not Suppose this to be a Novel Doctrine Peculiar ...
... to men's sense of shame, as it were, and saying, "Is mankind so foolish, that when
they see the stock of a tree which has been cut down shooting forth again ...
/.../44 but that you may.htm

Chapter twenty-nine
... He then went on and read the detailed account of the shooting and the visit
of the reporter to the tenement where the family lived. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-nine.htm

Psalm LXXVIII.
... 8. Lastly, "The sons of Ephrem bending and shooting bows, have been turned back
in the day of war" (ver.9). Following after the law of righteousness, unto the ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxviii.htm

Walking with God
... But the opposition ceases when it finds that it is only an appearance, as the Assyrians
left off shooting at Jehoshaphat, when they perceived it was not Ahab ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/walking with god.htm

Mystery and Faith
... How and what is that power that works in the shooting of a crystal, and binds the
obedience of a star; that shimmers in the northern Aurora, and connects by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapin/the crown of thorns/mystery and faith.htm

Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ...
... thus bemoaning himself, Elisha comforted him, and bid the king bend a bow that was
brought him; and when the king had fitted the bow for shooting, Elisha took ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 hazael makes an.htm

Dilemma and Deliverance
... himself, and there cried out in agony, "Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and
cleanse me from my sin." A select opportunity this for shooting this arrow. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/dilemma and deliverance.htm

Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs
... sorrow on the sea, and there is misery on the land; and into the highest palaces
as well as the poorest cottages, death, the insatiable, is shooting his arrows ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/creations groans and the saints.htm

Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers
... have fallen upon most degenerate days. They speak of "shooting Niagara,"
and of all sorts of frightful things. I am afraid that a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/hearken and look or encouragement.htm

The Earth Brings Forth, as if by Suppuration...
... inside is a thin poisoned veinlet, rising up with a bow-like bound, draws tight
a barbed sting at the end, after the manner of an engine for shooting missiles. ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter i the earth brings.htm

Shooting (13 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Shoot. 2. (n.) The act of one who, or that which, shoots;
as, the shooting of an archery club; the shooting of rays of light. ...
/s/shooting.htm - 10k

Shoot (51 Occurrences)
... 12. (vi) To be shot or propelled forcibly; -- said of a missile; to be emitted or
driven; to move or extend swiftly, as if propelled; as, a shooting star. 13. ...
/s/shoot.htm - 24k

Shoots (32 Occurrences)
... hath been his stature than all trees of the field, And multiplied are his boughs,
and long are his branches, Because of many waters in his shooting forth, (See ...
/s/shoots.htm - 15k

Shot (25 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) The act of shooting; discharge of a firearm or other weapon which throws
a missile. ... (n.) A marksman; one who practices shooting; as, an excellent shot. ...
/s/shot.htm - 15k

Overthroweth (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 19:25 and He overthroweth these cities, and all the circuit, and all the
inhabitants of the cities, and that which is shooting up from the ground. ...
/o/overthroweth.htm - 8k

Jehu (63 Occurrences)
... He then with a chosen band set forth with all speed to Jezreel, where, with his
own hand, he slew Jehoram, shooting him through the heart with an arrow (9:24). ...
/j/jehu.htm - 47k

Left-handed (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and
the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow; they were ...
/l/left-handed.htm - 8k

Glancing (2 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Glance. 2. (a.) Shooting, as light. 3. (a.) Flying off (after striking)
in an oblique direction; as, a glancing shot. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/g/glancing.htm - 7k

Grasshoppers (11 Occurrences)
... Amos 7:1 Thus hath the Lord GOD shewed unto me; and, behold, he formed grasshoppers
in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and, lo, it was ...
/g/grasshoppers.htm - 10k

Flight (325 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A series of steps or stairs from one landing to another. 6. (n.) A kind
of arrow for the longbow; also, the sport of shooting with it. See Shaft. ...
/f/flight.htm - 38k

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