Archery (Hastings' Dictionary)

Though bows are mentioned with tolerable frequency in the OT, one is tempted to think that the Israelites were not distinguished above the surrounding nations by their skill in the use of this weapon. The battle of Gilboa was probably lost through the superiority of the Philis- tine archers. David, after the battle, endeavoured to encourage archery practice in Judah (2 S 1'*. Reject RV and compare Driver, yotes on Samuel, in loco).

Elisha on his deathbed (2 K 13'^'^) promised Joash victory over Syria by the use of the bow. l'robal)ly the revival of Israel's military power under Jeroboam, son of Joash, was due to improve- ment in archery ; Hosea, a contemporary, speaks (1) of the bow as the national weapon of Israel. The most effective and scientific use of the bow, however, was that shown by the Assyrians. The terror caused by their archery is hinted at in Is 5- and 3'^^. To judge from Assyr.

reliefs, it seems to have been the practice of Assyr. armies to over- whelm their enemies with the bow, and to use the spear and sword only when the foe was already in flight. W. E. BARNES.