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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: The Bow</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_bow.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/9-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/b/bow.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > The Bow</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/t/the_boundary_lines.htm" title="The Boundary Lines">◄</a> The Bow <a href="/topical/t/the_bow_and_arrow.htm" title="The Bow and Arrow">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>The bow is a significant weapon and symbol found throughout the Bible, serving both practical and metaphorical purposes. It is primarily depicted as a tool of war and hunting, but it also carries deeper spiritual and covenantal meanings.<br><br><b>Old Testament References</b><br><br>The bow is first mentioned in <a href="/genesis/9-13.htm">Genesis 9:13</a>, where God sets a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His covenant with Noah and all living creatures: "I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between Me and the earth" . Here, the bow symbolizes God's promise and mercy, a reminder of His faithfulness and the assurance that He will never again destroy the earth with a flood.<br><br>In the context of warfare, the bow is frequently mentioned as a weapon of choice for many ancient warriors. <a href="/genesis/21-20.htm">Genesis 21:20</a> describes Ishmael as an archer: "And God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an archer" . The bow's association with strength and skill is further emphasized in passages like <a href="/2_samuel/22-35.htm">2 Samuel 22:35</a>, where David praises God for training his hands for battle: "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze" .<br><br>The bow also appears in prophetic literature, often symbolizing God's judgment or the power of nations. In <a href="/jeremiah/49-35.htm">Jeremiah 49:35</a>, the Lord declares, "Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the mainstay of their might" , indicating the impending downfall of Elam's military power.<br><br><b>New Testament Symbolism</b><br><br>While the New Testament does not frequently mention the bow, it appears in the apocalyptic imagery of Revelation. In <a href="/revelation/6-2.htm">Revelation 6:2</a>, the first horseman of the apocalypse is described: "So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer" . This imagery suggests conquest and the unfolding of divine judgment upon the earth.<br><br><b>Spiritual and Metaphorical Significance</b><br><br>Beyond its literal use, the bow holds metaphorical significance in Scripture. It often represents God's strength and the execution of His will. In <a href="/habakkuk/3-9.htm">Habakkuk 3:9</a>, the prophet describes God's readiness to act: "You brandished Your bow; You called for many arrows. You split the earth with rivers" . This passage highlights God's sovereign power and His ability to intervene in human history.<br><br>The bow is also used to illustrate the faithfulness and reliability of God's promises. In <a href="/psalms/7-12.htm">Psalm 7:12</a>, the psalmist warns of God's judgment against the wicked: "If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow" . Here, the bow serves as a reminder of the certainty of divine justice.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Context</b><br><br>In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the bow was a common weapon used by soldiers and hunters alike. It required skill and precision, making it a symbol of strength and prowess. The Israelites, like their neighbors, utilized the bow in warfare, and it became an integral part of their military arsenal.<br><br>The bow's presence in biblical narratives reflects its importance in the daily life and spiritual understanding of the people. It serves as a tangible representation of God's power, human skill, and the unfolding of divine plans throughout history.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/b/bow.htm">Bow</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/bow--a_token_in_the_clouds.htm">Bow: A Token in the Clouds</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/bow--a_weapon.htm">Bow: A Weapon</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/bow--a_weapon_of_wood.htm">Bow: A Weapon of Wood</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/bow--a_weapon_used_by_the_elamites.htm">Bow: A Weapon used by the Elamites</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/bow--a_weapon_used_in_war.htm">Bow: A Weapon used in War</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/bow--a_weapon--david_instructed_the_israelites_in_the_use_of,_by_writing_a_war_song_to.htm">Bow: A Weapon: David Instructed the Israelites in the Use of, by Writing a War Song To</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/bow--a_weapon--made_of_brass_(r._v.).htm">Bow: A Weapon: Made of Brass (R. V.)</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/bow--figurative.htm">Bow: Figurative</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow_for_shooting_arrows.htm">The Bow for Shooting Arrows</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow_of_strength_and_power.htm">The Bow of Strength and Power</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow_of_the_tongue_of_the_wicked.htm">The Bow of the Tongue of the Wicked</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow_of_the_vanquished,_broken_and_burned.htm">The Bow of the Vanquished, Broken and Burned</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow_used_expertly_by_benjamites.htm">The Bow used Expertly by Benjamites</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow_used_expertly_by_elamites.htm">The Bow used Expertly by Elamites</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow_used_expertly_by_lydians.htm">The Bow used Expertly by Lydians</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow_used_expertly_by_philistines.htm">The Bow used Expertly by Philistines</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow_used_expertly_by_sons_of_reuben,_gad,_and_manasseh.htm">The Bow used Expertly by Sons of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow--(when_broken)_the_overthrow_of_power.htm">The Bow: (When Broken) the Overthrow of Power</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow--(when_deceitful)_the_hypocrite.htm">The Bow: (When Deceitful) the Hypocrite</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow--an_instrument_of_war.htm">The Bow: An Instrument of War</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow--called_the_battle_bow.htm">The Bow: Called the Battle Bow</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow--drawn_with_full_force.htm">The Bow: Drawn With Full Force</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow--given_as_a_token_of_friendship.htm">The Bow: Given As a Token of Friendship</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow--held_in_the_left_hand.htm">The Bow: Held in the Left Hand</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow--often_furnished_by_the_state.htm">The Bow: Often Furnished by the State</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow--sometimes_used_in_hunting.htm">The Bow: Sometimes Used in Hunting</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow--the_jews_taught_to_use.htm">The Bow: The Jews Taught to Use</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow--those_who_used,_called--archers.htm">The Bow: Those Who Used, Called: Archers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow--those_who_used,_called--bowmen.htm">The Bow: Those Who Used, Called: Bowmen</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/t/the_bow--usually_of_steel.htm">The Bow: Usually of Steel</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lord'the.htm">Lord'the (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/is'the.htm">Is'the (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/the.htm">The (669438 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/oak-the.htm">Oak-the (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/saying'the.htm">Saying'the (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jok'the-el.htm">Jok'the-el (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/the-oph'ilus.htm">The-oph'ilus (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/the-not-beloved.htm">The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/ko'hathites.htm">Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kohathite.htm">Kohathite (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kir'iath-je'arim.htm">Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zin.htm">Zin (9 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href="/topical/h/home-born.htm">Home-born (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kingship.htm">Kingship (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kadesh-barnea.htm">Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zealot.htm">Zealot (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kibroth-hattaavah.htm">Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kibrothhattaavah.htm">Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/victorious.htm">Victorious (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zacchaeus.htm">Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zenas.htm">Zenas (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kneel.htm">Kneel (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zachariah.htm">Zachariah (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kebar.htm">Kebar (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kerethites.htm">Kerethites (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zeeb.htm">Zeeb (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zoheleth.htm">Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zarethan.htm">Zarethan (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kinnereth.htm">Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/knowledge.htm">Knowledge</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/knelt.htm">Knelt (20 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/visible.htm">Visible (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zeus.htm">Zeus (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/ziph.htm">Ziph (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zebadiah.htm">Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zorah.htm">Zorah (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kenite.htm">Kenite (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kick.htm">Kick (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kedar.htm">Kedar (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zichri.htm">Zichri (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/ko'rahites.htm">Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zeru'iah.htm">Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kei'lah.htm">Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/num/24000.htm">24000 (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vapor.htm">Vapor (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vanished.htm">Vanished (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/verdict.htm">Verdict (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/violated.htm">Violated (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/knop.htm">Knop (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/visiting.htm">Visiting (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zaphon.htm">Zaphon (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zephani'ah.htm">Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zaccur.htm">Zaccur (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/koz.htm">Koz (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kadmiel.htm">Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/t/the_boundary_lines.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="The Boundary Lines"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="The Boundary Lines" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/t/the_bow_and_arrow.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="The Bow and Arrow"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" 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