Topical Bible: Spear: An offensive Weapon

◄ Spear: An offensive Weapon ►

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The spear is a prominent weapon mentioned throughout the Bible, serving as a symbol of warfare, authority, and divine intervention. It is a long, pointed weapon used for thrusting or throwing, often associated with soldiers and warriors in biblical narratives.

Old Testament References

The spear is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, highlighting its significance in ancient warfare. One of the earliest references is found in the account of Joshua's conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 8:18, the Lord instructs Joshua, "Hold out your spear toward Ai, for I will deliver the city into your hand." This act symbolizes divine guidance and victory in battle.

The spear is also associated with notable figures such as King Saul and his son Jonathan. Saul's spear is a recurring motif, representing his authority and volatile nature. In 1 Samuel 18:10-11, Saul attempts to pin David to the wall with his spear, illustrating his jealousy and hostility: "The next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he began to prophesy inside the house while David was playing the harp as usual. Saul was holding a spear, and he hurled it, thinking, 'I will pin David to the wall.' But David eluded him twice."

Jonathan, in contrast, uses his spear in a more noble context. In 1 Samuel 14:1-14, Jonathan and his armor-bearer attack a Philistine outpost, demonstrating courage and faith. The spear here is a tool of deliverance and divine favor.

Goliath, the Philistine giant, is famously described as wielding a massive spear. In 1 Samuel 17:7, the text details, "The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels." This description emphasizes the formidable nature of Goliath and the miraculous victory of David, who defeats him with a sling and a stone, underscoring the theme of God's power over human strength.

New Testament References

While the New Testament does not focus on the spear as a weapon of war, it does include a significant mention in the context of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In John 19:34, a Roman soldier pierces Jesus' side with a spear to confirm His death: "Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out." This act fulfills Old Testament prophecy and holds theological significance, symbolizing the outpouring of grace and the sacrificial nature of Christ's death.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

The spear, as an offensive weapon, often symbolizes human aggression, authority, and the futility of relying solely on physical might. In the biblical narrative, it serves as a reminder of the need for divine intervention and the ultimate sovereignty of God in the affairs of men. The contrast between the spear's use by figures like Saul and Goliath and its mention in the context of Christ's crucifixion highlights the transformative power of God's redemptive plan.

Throughout Scripture, the spear is a tool that can be wielded for both destructive and redemptive purposes, reflecting the broader biblical themes of conflict, faith, and divine providence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 23:8,18
These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

'The Sword of the Spirit'
... The purpose and power of the word. The sword is the only offensive weapon in the
list. The spear which played so great a part in ancient warfare is not named. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the sword of the spirit.htm

The Sword of the Spirit
... always stands with a spear in his right hand, while his sword hangs at his side.
But Paul, for excellent reasons, concentrates our offensive weapon in one ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the sword of the spirit.htm

On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians
... flourish of trumpets the herald's hostile spear is sent ... The third weapon which pride
employs in this warfare ... persons concord or amity is so offensive, that, out ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/oration v on reconciling religious.htm

A Discourse
... us that the war that the church makes with Antichrist is rather defensive than
offensive. ... A weapon that hurteth none, none at all but the devil and sin, and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... they could make skilful use of lance and sword, their favourite weapon was the ... the
horsemen mounting, and the flashing sword, and the glittering spear; and a ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... there is no evidence that anything contained in my writings is offensive in the ... pass
upon another falls upon you, you are thrust through with your own spear. ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... to represent the Canaanite God, but the title Lord as applied to Jahveh, was supposed
to mean "Baal fights against him," and was, therefore, offensive to the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... He brandishes in one hand the weapon of the victor, and is on the point of despatching
with it a lion, which he has seized by the tail with the other, after ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm