Javelin

A javelin was a light throwing spear used in ancient warfare. In Scripture it appears most memorably in the hands of King Saul, who twice hurled his javelin at David as he played the harp (1 Sam. 18:10–11; 19:9–10) and once at his own son Jonathan (1 Sam. 20:33). Phinehas used a javelin (Hebrew rōmaḥ) to execute Zimri and Cozbi in their act of brazen idolatry (Num. 25:7–8), an act of priestly zeal that God credited to him for righteousness. Goliath is described as carrying a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders (1 Sam. 17:6). The javelin illustrates several different themes: royal rage, priestly zeal, and martial power.