Topical Bible: Spear: Frequently Thrown from the Hand

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Topical Encyclopedia

The spear, a weapon commonly mentioned in the Bible, served as a significant tool in warfare and personal combat throughout biblical history. It is often depicted as a symbol of power and authority, wielded by both warriors and leaders. The spear's design, typically featuring a long shaft with a pointed metal tip, made it an effective weapon for both thrusting and throwing.

Biblical References and Usage

The spear is frequently mentioned in the context of battle and personal defense. One of the most notable figures associated with the spear is King Saul. In 1 Samuel 18:10-11 , it is recorded that "the next day a spirit of distress sent from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house while David was playing the harp, as he did day by day. Saul had a spear in his hand, and he hurled it, thinking, 'I will pin David to the wall.' But David eluded him twice." This passage illustrates the spear's role as a weapon of aggression and the personal animosity Saul harbored towards David.

Another significant mention of the spear is found in the account of David and Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17:7 , Goliath's spear is described: "The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. In addition, his shield bearer went before him." This description emphasizes the formidable nature of Goliath's weaponry, highlighting the challenge David faced in confronting the giant.

The spear also appears in the narrative of Abner and Asahel. In 2 Samuel 2:23 , during a pursuit, "Abner refused to turn aside. So Asahel struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear, and the spear came out through his back. He fell there and died on the spot." This incident underscores the lethal capability of the spear in close combat situations.

Symbolism and Significance

In biblical literature, the spear often symbolizes authority and military prowess. It is a weapon associated with leaders and warriors, signifying their readiness for battle and their role as protectors or aggressors. The spear's presence in narratives often marks moments of conflict, decision, and divine intervention.

The spear is also a tool of divine judgment and protection. In Numbers 25:7-8 , Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, uses a spear to execute judgment on those who had sinned against God: "On seeing this, Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, left the assembly, took a spear in his hand, followed the Israelite into the tent, and drove the spear through both of them—the Israelite and the woman—through her belly. So the plague against the Israelites was halted." This act of zeal for God's holiness demonstrates the spear's role in upholding divine law.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, the spear was a common weapon among various cultures, including the Israelites, Philistines, and Egyptians. Its design allowed for versatility in combat, being used both in hand-to-hand fighting and as a projectile. The spear's effectiveness in warfare made it a staple in the armories of ancient armies.

The biblical portrayal of the spear reflects its historical use and significance. It was a weapon that required skill and strength to wield effectively, and its presence in biblical narratives often highlights the bravery and martial skill of the characters involved.

Conclusion

The spear, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted symbol of power, authority, and divine intervention. Its frequent mention in the scriptures underscores its importance in the cultural and historical context of the biblical world. Through its use in narratives of conflict and judgment, the spear serves as a reminder of the ever-present reality of warfare and the need for divine guidance and protection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 18:11
And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence twice.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 19:10
And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin: but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of visions. The Graces Our Lord Bestowed on the Saint. The Answers ...
... the fire is already kindled, and we are thrown into it ... Though I have visions of angels
frequently, yet I see them ... I saw in his hand a long spear of gold, and ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxix of visions the.htm

The Arrest.
... and entered the Garden of Gethsemane, where He frequently went for ... was forgotten;
the legionaries who had thrown themselves on spear-points unawed ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xvii the arrest.htm

The Conquest of Lydia.
... country in the neighborhood of the capital was thrown into a ... It is frequently said
by the ancient historians that the ... who was to mount him, armed with a spear. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter vii the conquest of.htm

The Dialogue against the Luciferians.
... full of blood, whose pen was a soldier's spear, do you ... and repelled his attack, I
have only thrown a few ... we know that even laymen may, and frequently do, baptize ...
/.../the principal works of st jerome/the dialogue against the luciferians.htm

The Shameful Sufferer
... and we will believe on thee." Frequently they challenge ... A challenge thrown to manhood,
manhood would easily take up ... I see no spear, but I behold my unbelief ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the shameful sufferer.htm

Last Things
... text in its matchless power to Ithuriel's spear, with which ... away a kingdom, and now
he has thrown away the ... forty, fifty, or sixty, and who frequently see your ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/last things.htm

The North African Church under the Vandals.
... infamous thieves, was pierced with the spear, and died ... were loaded with heavy chains,
and thrown into a ... of her husband, he writes thus: "Pray frequently in words ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/the north african church under.htm

Letter cxxiv. To the Monks of Palestine.
... argue against the heretics who have thrown many of ... and that thus, what had been
frequently announced by ... that the cross uplifted, that the spear pierced, that ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter cxxiv to the monks.htm

A New Creation
... While men will frequently dote upon the old, they are most ... Having thrown away the
old sword, he is now about ... be turned into the sickle, and the spear into the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/a new creation.htm

What are the Clouds?
... are sanctified to God, the man of learning frequently becomes in ... I tell thee, he
will snap thy spear as if it ... out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/what are the clouds.htm