Bible Dictionary
Arrows
Arrows were weapons made from reeds or wood and commonly tipped with metal. Scripture also uses arrows figuratively for lightning, calamity, disease, sudden danger, and hurtful words.
Definition
Arrows were missile weapons first made from reeds and later from wood tipped with iron. They were used in warfare and hunting, and the word could also denote arrows collectively with other missile weapons.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses arrows literally in war and the chase and mentions their use in divination. Figuratively, arrows represent lightning, calamity, disease, sudden danger, bitter words, and false testimony.
Historical Background
The materials described for arrows were reeds or wood, with iron points added later. Their use extended beyond military conflict to hunting and divinatory practice.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
At first made of reeds, and then of wood tipped with iron. Arrows are sometimes figuratively put for lightning (Deut. 32:23, 42; Ps. 7:13; 18:14; 144:6; Zech. 9:14). They were used in war as well as in the chase (Gen. 27:3; 49:23). They were also used in divination (Ezek. 21:21). The word is frequently employed as a symbol of calamity or disease inflicted by God (Job 6:4; 34:6; Ps. 38:2; Deut. 32:23. Comp. Ezek. 5:16), or of some sudden danger (Ps. 91:5), or bitter words (Ps. 64:3), or false testimony (Prov. 25:18).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Arms, Armor]