ARMS

ARMS were weapons or instruments of offence. They were the sword, the spear or javelin, dart or lance, the bow Assyrian Swords or Daggers. (From Nineveh Marbles.) and arrow, the sling, the quiver, and the battle-axe. The sword. Gen 27:40. This was a short two-edged instrument resembling what we call a dagger. It was carried in a sheath or scabbard, Jer 47:6; Eze 21:9, 1 Kgs 20:30, and suspended to the girdle or belt. Jud 3:16; 2 Sam 20:8. Assyrian Spears and Shields. (From Nineveh Marbles.) Of the spear there were at least three distinct varieties, which differed chiefly in length and size. (1.) The spear, Assyrian Archers behind a large Shield. (From Nineveh Marbles.) par-excellence, was a long wooden staff with a stout metal point at one end. The Greek spears were sometimes twenty-five feet long, and the Arabs now use them fifteen feet long. They were required to be long enough to reach beyond the front rank when used by those who were in the second rank. Goliath's spear was said to have a staff "like a weaver's beam." 1 Sam 17:7. This largest sort of spear was used by Saul habitually. It must have had a metallic point at its butt end, because it was stuck into the ground, 1 Sam 26:1, and Asahel was killed "with the hinder end" of Abner's spear. 2 Sam 2:23. It was this kind of spear, and not a "javelin," which Saul threw at David and Jonathan. 1 Sam 18:11; 1 Sam 20:33. There was a somewhat lighter spear, which was carried on the back when not in use. 1 Sam 17:6. (Authorized Version translates target.) (2.) The javelin was a short spear, cast,as is supposed, with the hand. Num 25:7. (3.) The dart was still smaller than the javelin, and used in like manner. 2 Chron 32:5. The arrow was a slender missile shot from a bow, as in modern days. 1 Sam 20:36. It was used in hunting. Gen 27:3, as well as in combat. Gen 48:22. Those who used the bow were called "archers." Gen 21:20. Arrows were originally made of reeds, and afterward of any light wood. The bows were made of flexible wood or steel, Ps 18:34, and the bowstring of leather, horsehair, or the tendons of animals. Bows were the chief dependence in both an attack and a defence. The point of the arrow was barbed like a fish-hook. Ps 38:2. Egyptian Archer. (Eosellini.) Job refers to the use of poisoned arrows. Job 6:4, and fire was often conveyed by the use of juniper-wood, which kindled upon the combustible baggage or armament of the enemy. Ps 91:5; Ps 120:4. It is said that the coals of the Assyrian and Egyptian Quivers and Bows. juniper-wood retain their heat for a long time. The Phoenicians and, in later times, the Spaniards have used arrows for the like purpose. Arrows were used in divination. Eze 21:21. Arrows were kept in a case or box called a quiver, which was slung over the shoulder in such a position that the soldier could draw out the arrows when wanted. The position of the quiver and bow is seen in a preceding cut. The drawing of the bow was a test of strength, and is still so among the Arabians. Hence the allusion in Ps 18:34. The sling, 1 Sam 17:40, was an early weapon of war, by which stones were thrown with great force and surprising accuracy of aim. This skill was shown in a remarkable degree by the Benjamites, who could employ the left hand in its use with great adroitness. Jud 20:16. The slingers ranked next to the archers in efficiency, and formed a regular arm of the service. Assyrian Slinger. The battle-axe, Jer 51:20, was obviously a powerful weapon of war, but of its ancient form and manner of use we have now no knowledge. The term "armor," and the various offensive and defensive articles comprised in it, are frequently used figuratively in the Bible, in Eph 6:11-17, where the graces of the Christian character are represented as the armor of God, in which he clothes the believer, and by which he is enabled to fight the good fight of faith with a victorious arm.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. Instruments or weapons of offense or defense. He lays down his arms, but not his wiles. Milton. Three horses and three goodly suits of arms. Tennyson.

2. The deeds or exploits of war; military service or science. "Arms and the man I sing." Dryden.

3. Anything which a man takes in his hand in anger, to strike or assault another with; an aggressive weapon. Cowell. Blackstone.

4. The ensigns armorial of a family, consisting of figures and colors borne in shields, banners, etc., as marks of dignity and distinction, and descending from father to son.

5. The legs of a hawk from the thigh to the foot. Halliwell. Bred to arms, educated to the profession of a soldier. -- In arms, armed for war; in a state of hostility. -- Small arms, portable firearms known as muskets, rifles, carbines, pistols, etc. -- A stand of arms, a complete set for one soldier, as a musket, bayonet, cartridge box and belt; frequently, the musket and bayonet alone. -- To arms! a summons to war or battle. -- Under arms, armed and equipped and in readiness for battle, or for a military parade. Arm's end, Arm's length, Arm's reach. See under Arm.