Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the spear was a common weapon used in warfare and hunting. It is mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures, serving as a symbol of power, authority, and divine intervention. The spear, or lance, was a versatile tool, and its design varied depending on its intended use. Below are some of the different kinds of lances referenced in the Bible.1. General Spear: The most common type of spear mentioned in the Bible is a simple, long shaft with a pointed end, often made of iron or bronze. This type of spear was used by soldiers and warriors in battle. In 1 Samuel 17:7, Goliath's spear is described: "The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels." This description highlights the formidable nature of the weapon, emphasizing its size and weight. 2. Javelin: A lighter and shorter version of the spear, the javelin was designed for throwing. It allowed warriors to attack from a distance. In 1 Samuel 18:10-11, King Saul attempts to pin David to the wall with a javelin: "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." 3. Thrusting Spear: This type of spear was used for close combat, designed to pierce armor and deliver fatal blows. In Numbers 25:7-8, Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, uses a spear to execute judgment: "On seeing this, Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, rose up from the assembly, took a spear in his hand, followed the Israelite into the tent, and drove it through both the Israelite and the woman, through her belly." 4. Ceremonial Spear: In some instances, spears were used in ceremonial contexts, symbolizing authority and leadership. In 1 Samuel 26:7, David takes Saul's spear as a sign of his ability to take the king's life but choosing not to: "So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and there lay Saul sleeping in the camp with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. Abner and the troops were lying around him." 5. Divine Spear: The spear is also used metaphorically to describe divine intervention and protection. In Habakkuk 3:11, the prophet speaks of God's power in battle: "Sun and moon stood still in their places at the flash of Your flying arrows, at the brightness of Your shining spear." Throughout the Bible, the spear serves as a powerful symbol of both human and divine strength. Its various forms and uses reflect the diverse contexts in which it appears, from the battlefield to the realm of spiritual warfare. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 50:42They shall hold the bow and the lance: they are cruel, and will not show mercy: their voice shall roar like the sea, and they shall ride on horses, every one put in array, like a man to the battle, against you, O daughter of Babylon. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Things that Accompany Salvation The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty The Rise of the Assyrian Empire Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Resources What is the Spear of Destiny? | GotQuestions.orgWas Longinus the name of the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus with the spear? | GotQuestions.org Was Goliath one of the Nephilim? | GotQuestions.org Spear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Spear: Called the Glittering Spear Spear: Changed Into Pruning-Hooks Spear: Different Kinds of Darts Spear: Different Kinds of Javelins Spear: Different Kinds of Lances Spear: First Mention of, in Scripture Spear: Frequently Thrown from the Hand Spear: Frequently Used by Horse Soldiers Spear: Illustrative of the Bitterness of the Wicked Spear: Made Into Pruning-Hooks in Peace Spear: Often Retained in the Hand of the Person Using Spear: Parts of Mentioned: The Head of Iron or Brass Spear: Parts of Mentioned: The Staff of Wood Spear: Plunged Into Jesus' Side Spear: Probably Pointed at Both Ends Spear: Provided by the Kings of Israel in Great Abundance Spear: Pruning-Hooks Beat Into Spear: Pruning-Hooks Made Into, Before War Spear: Stored in the Tabernacle Spear: Stuck in the Ground Beside the Bolster During Sleep Spear: The Israelites: Acquainted With the Making of Spear: The Israelites: Frequently Used Spear: The Israelites: Ill Provided With, in the Times of Deborah and Saul Spear: Those Who Used, Called Spearmen Related Terms |
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