Bow

The bow was in use in early times both in war and in the chase (Gen. 21:20; 27:3; 48:22). The tribe of Benjamin were famous for the use of the bow (1 Chr. 8:40; 12:2; 2 Chr. 14:8; 17:17); so also were the Elamites (Isa. 22:6) and the Lydians (Jer. 46:9). The Hebrew word commonly used for bow means properly to tread (1 "Chr. 5:18; 8:40), and hence it is concluded that the foot was" "employed in bending the bow. Bows of steel (correctly "copper")" are mentioned (2 Sam. 22:35; Ps. 18:34). "The arrows were carried in a quiver (Gen. 27:3; Isa. 22:6; 49:2; Ps. 127:5). They were apparently sometimes shot with some burning material attached to them (Ps. 120:4). "The bow is a symbol of victory (Ps. 7:12). It denotes also "falsehood, deceit (Ps. 64:3, 4; Hos. 7:16; Jer. 9:3)." "The use of the bow in 2 Sam. 1:18 (A.V.) ought to be "the song "of the bow," as in the Revised Version."

"(Phil. 1:8; 2:1; Col. 3:12), compassionate feelings; R.V.," tender mercies.

"A mode of showing respect. Abraham "bowed himself to the people" "of the land" (Gen. 23:7); so Jacob to Esau (Gen. 33:3); and the" brethren of Joseph before him as the governor of the land (Gen. 43:28). Bowing is also frequently mentioned as an act of adoration to idols (Josh. 23:7; 2 Kings 5:18; Judg. 2:19; Isa. "44:15), and to God (Josh. 5:14; Ps. 22:29; 72:9; Micah 6:6; Ps." 95:6; Eph. 3:14).

The sockets of the lamps of the golden candlestick of the "tabernacle are called bowls (Ex. 25:31, 33, 34; 37:17, 19, 20);" "the same word so rendered being elsewhere rendered "cup" (Gen." "44:2, 12, 16), and wine "pot" (Jer. 35:5). The reservoir for" "oil, from which pipes led to each lamp in Zechariah's vision of" "the candlestick, is called also by this name (Zech. 4:2, 3); so" also are the vessels used for libations (Ex. 25:29; 37:16).