Bible Encyclopedias
Bow

Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature

Bow [ARMS]. The bow is frequently mentioned symbolically in Scripture. In Psalms 7:12 it implies victory, signifying judgments laid up in store against offenders. It is sometimes used to denote lying and falsehood (Psalms 64:3; Psalms 120:4; Jeremiah 9:3), probably from the many circumstances which tend to render a bow inoperative, especially in unskillful hands. Hence also 'a deceitful bow' (Psalms 78:57; Hosea 7:16). The bow also signifies any kind of arms. The bow and spear are the most frequently mentioned, because the ancients used these most (Psalms 44:6; Psalms 46:9; Zechariah 10:4; Joshua 24:12). In Habakkuk 3:9 'thy bow was made bare,' means that it was drawn out of its case. The Orientals used to carry their bows in a case hung on their girdles.

 

 

 

 

Bibliography Information
Kitto, John, ed. Entry for 'Bow'. "Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature". https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​kbe/​b/bow.html.