What does the Bible say about archery?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents archery as an ordinary skill used for hunting, warfare, training, and communication, while showing that human strength and military power remain under God’s sovereign rule. Genesis 21:20 describes Ishmael becoming an archer, and Genesis 27:3 connects the bow with Isaac’s request for game. In 1 Samuel 20:20, 36-37, Jonathan uses arrows to communicate with David in a time of danger. Benjamin’s descendants included many skilled archers in 1 Chronicles 8:40. Yet Scripture also records the sorrowful effects of war, as Saul is wounded by archers in 1 Samuel 31:1-3 and 1 Chronicles 10:3. Isaiah 13:17-18 portrays archers among God’s instruments of judgment against Babylon.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- Practiced by Ishmael Genesis 21:20
- Practiced by Esau Genesis 27:3
- Practiced by Jonathan 1 Samuel 20:20; 1 Samuel 20:36; 1 Samuel 20:37
- Practiced by the sons of Ulam 1 Chronicles 8:40
- Practiced by the Philistines 1 Samuel 31:1-3; 1 Chronicles 10:3
- Practiced by the Persians Isaiah 13:17; Isaiah 13:18
- Practiced by the people of Kedar Isaiah 21:17
- Practiced by the Syrians 1 Kings 22:31-34
- Practiced by the Israelites 2 Samuel 1:18; 1 Chronicles 5:18; 1 Chronicles 12:2; 2 Chronicles 14:8; 2 Chronicles 26:14; Nehemiah 4:13; Zechariah 9:13
- Practiced by the Lydians Jeremiah 46:9
- In war Genesis 49:23; Judges 5:11; 1 Samuel 31:3; Isaiah 22:3; Jeremiah 4:29; Jeremiah 51:3; Zechariah 10:4
- See ARROW
- See ARMIES
- See BOW
- See WAR
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