Weapons [nave]
WEAPONSSee: Armor; Arms.
WEAPONS [smith]
[WEAPONS [bridgeway]
In ancient warfare the chief weapon was the sword. Swords were of many kinds and could be either single-edged or double-edged (Judg 3:16,21; 7:22; 20:37; 1 Sam 25:13; 31:4; Matt 26:47; Acts 12:2). The Bible often speaks of the sword figuratively, sometimes as a symbol of judgment (Ezek 30:24; 32:10; Rev 19:15,21), other times as a symbol of the Word of God (Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12).Spears and lances may have been made entirely of metal, or of wood with a metal head (Num 25:7; 1 Sam 13:19; 17:7; 18:11; 26:12; Jer 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; 13:15; 2 Chron 14:8; Ps 7:12; 11:2; 44:6; Zech 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 Sam 17:40; 1 Chron 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 Cor 6:6-7; 10:3-4; Eph 6:11-13; 1 Tim 1:18; see ARMOUR; WAR).
