Arrows

Arrows were among the most common offensive weapons of the ancient Near East, made initially of reeds and later of wood tipped with flint or iron. They are mentioned frequently in both literal and metaphorical senses in Scripture. Figuratively, arrows denote divine judgment—God's arrows of lightning, pestilence, and disaster (Deuteronomy 32:23, 42; Psalm 7:13; 18:14). Arrows are also used as a positive image of children (Psalm 127:4) and of the Lord's word directed against enemies (Zechariah 9:14). Jonathan's signal arrows to David (1 Samuel 20:20–22) is one of the most memorable narrative uses of the weapon.