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Bible Dictionaries
Weapons
Bridgeway Bible Dictionary
In ancient warfare the chief weapon was the sword. Swords were of many kinds and could be either single-edged or double-edged (Judges 3:16; Judges 3:21; Judges 7:22; Judges 20:37; 1 Samuel 25:13; 1 Samuel 31:4; Matthew 26:47; Acts 12:2). The Bible often speaks of the sword figuratively, sometimes as a symbol of judgment (Ezekiel 30:24; Ezekiel 32:10; Revelation 19:15; Revelation 19:21), other times as a symbol of the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12).
Spears and lances may have been made entirely of metal, or of wood with a metal head (Numbers 25:7; 1 Samuel 13:19; 1 Samuel 17:7; 1 Samuel 18:11; 1 Samuel 26:12; Jeremiah 46:4; John 19:34; Acts 23:23). Bows and arrows were widely used in warfare and were usually made of wood (2 Kings 9:24; 2 Kings 13:15; 2 Chronicles 14:8; Psalms 7:12; Psalms 11:2; Psalms 44:6; Zechariah 9:10). Slings of leather were used to throw stones. Though originally used by shepherds to fight wild animals, they were later used in warfare (1 Samuel 17:40; 1 Chronicles 12:2).
The Bible often likens the Christian life to warfare with unseen spiritual forces. Christians must therefore clothe themselves with the armour of God and go to battle using the weapons of righteousness (2 Corinthians 6:6-7; 2 Corinthians 10:3-4; Ephesians 6:11-13; 1 Timothy 1:18; see ARMOUR; WAR).
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Fleming, Don. Entry for 'Weapons'. Bridgeway Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​bbd/​w/weapons.html. 2004.