Topical Bible: Spear: First Mention of, in Scripture

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Topical Encyclopedia

The spear, a weapon of war and hunting, is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of the narrative of Joshua's conquest of Canaan. The initial reference to a spear is found in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 8:18. This passage describes a pivotal moment during the battle against the city of Ai, where God commands Joshua to use a spear as a signal for victory.

Biblical Context:

In Joshua 8:18, the Lord instructs Joshua, saying, "Hold out your spear toward Ai, for I will deliver the city into your hand." This command signifies divine intervention and assurance of victory for the Israelites. The spear here is not merely a weapon but a symbol of God's promise and the means through which His will is executed in the battle.

Historical and Cultural Background:

The spear was a common weapon in ancient warfare, used by various cultures for its effectiveness in both close combat and as a projectile. In the biblical context, the spear often symbolizes strength, authority, and divine empowerment. Its mention in the conquest of Ai underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the role of faith in achieving victory.

Theological Significance:

The first mention of the spear in Scripture highlights the theme of divine guidance and intervention in the battles faced by God's people. It serves as a reminder of the necessity of reliance on God's instructions and the assurance of His presence in times of conflict. The spear, in this instance, becomes a tangible representation of God's promise to deliver His people and fulfill His covenant with them.

Related References:

While the spear is first mentioned in Joshua 8:18, it appears in various other contexts throughout the Bible, often associated with notable figures such as King Saul and Goliath. These subsequent references continue to emphasize themes of power, authority, and the unfolding of God's plan through the actions of His chosen leaders.

In summary, the first mention of the spear in Scripture, as found in Joshua 8:18, is a significant moment that encapsulates the intersection of divine command and human action in the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 8:18
And the LORD said to Joshua, Stretch out the spear that is in your hand toward Ai; for I will give it into your hand. And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Verbal Inspiration
... in the fact that words are used in Scripture with the ... and in harmony with the meaning
of their first mention. ... that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear" etc ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter thirteen verbal inspiration .htm

Acts vii. 35
... And so many wonders, and no mention of a Temple! ... us rid ourselves of this demon,
at its first beginning let ... know what I:mean): we have also spear and enclosure ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xvii acts vii 35.htm

"In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . .
... His history is recorded just before the first mention of Melchizedek ... Sam.17:5-7).
(c) His spear's head weighed ... First, the meaning of his name is very significant ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the volume of the.htm

Love and Remorse
... this time venture to take back the spear and cruse ... We can but mention his modesty
in hiding among the ... repression of the people's desire, in their first flush of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love and remorse.htm

Epistle Lxii. C??cilius, on the Sacrament of the Cup of the Lord.
... Rock, is cloven by a stroke of the spear in His ... chief priest of God the Father, and
has first offered Himself ... And because we make mention of His passion in all ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxii caecilius on the.htm

To the Monks of Constantinople.
... First he states that the assumed nature derives its descent ... unaltered the prints
of the nails and of the spear. ... But why need I mention the Lord, who was not ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxlv to the monks of.htm

Christ Crucified and Buried.
... note the emphasis that he places upon what he has just recorded concerning the spear
thrust and ... This is the third mention of Nicodemus, the first in 3 ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ crucified and buried.htm

Of Justification by Christ
... did his mother conceive him." And, to mention but one ... is only drawing a parallel
between the first and second ... on his side, pierced with a cruel spear, to let ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/of justification by christ.htm

David's Weakness
... slaying, plundering, burning, tossing babes on their spear-points ... The first and the
last business of every human being ... And when I mention this last fact, I must ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon i davids weakness.htm

John Chapter ii. 11-Jan
... does that of which the apostle makes mention contain, when he ... Thus the first
water-pot then held a prophecy of ... side; when Christ is dead, the spear pierces His ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate ix john chapter ii.htm