Topical Encyclopedia The term "slingeth" is an archaic form of the verb "sling," which refers to the act of hurling or casting a projectile using a sling. In biblical times, the sling was a simple yet effective weapon used by shepherds and warriors alike. It consisted of a pouch attached to two cords, and it was used to launch stones with great speed and accuracy. The use of the sling is mentioned several times in the Bible, highlighting its significance in ancient warfare and daily life.One of the most famous biblical accounts involving a sling is the account of David and Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17, the young shepherd David confronts the Philistine giant Goliath. Rejecting the conventional armor and weapons offered by King Saul, David instead chooses to face Goliath with his sling and five smooth stones. The scripture states, "David put his hand into the bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground" (1 Samuel 17:49). This account demonstrates the skill and faith of David, as well as the effectiveness of the sling as a weapon. The sling is also mentioned in the context of the tribe of Benjamin. In Judges 20:16, the Benjamites are described as having 700 select men who were left-handed and could "sling a stone at a hair and not miss" . This passage underscores the precision and expertise that could be achieved with the sling, making it a formidable tool in battle. In 2 Kings 3:25, the use of slings is noted during the siege of Moabite cities: "They destroyed the cities, and each man threw a stone on every good field until it was covered. They stopped up every spring of water and felled every good tree. Only Kir-hareseth was left with its stones, but the men armed with slings surrounded it and attacked it as well" . This illustrates the strategic use of slings in warfare, not only for direct combat but also for besieging and destroying enemy resources. The sling, therefore, serves as a symbol of divine empowerment and human skill throughout the biblical narrative. It represents the idea that God can use seemingly insignificant tools and people to accomplish His purposes, as seen in the victory of David over Goliath. The sling's presence in scripture also reflects the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, where such weapons were a common part of life and warfare. Concordance Slingeth (1 Occurrence)1 Samuel 17:49 Thesaurus Slingeth (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Slingeth (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 17:49 and David putteth forth his hand unto the vessel, and taketh thence ... /s/slingeth.htm - 6k Slinging (4 Occurrences) Slingers (2 Occurrences) Sinketh (5 Occurrences) Falleth (119 Occurrences) Smiteth (156 Occurrences) Putteth (182 Occurrences) Vessel (118 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |