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Study focus: In Scripture, arrows can represent words, warfare, judgment, deliverance, children, and spiritual attacks. The image of arrows teaches that what is released from the mouth, from the enemy, or from YAHUAH’s judgment has direction, force, and consequence.

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Foundation Scripture: The deceptive tongue

• The lying tongue is compared to sharp arrows. Psalm 120 shows distress caused by lying lips and a deceitful tongue. The answer given is “sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper,” showing that deceitful words bring severe judgment and correction.
  • Cross references: Psalm 120:1-4, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 25:18, Jeremiah 9:3-8, James 3:5-10

Arrows as words released from the mouth

• Words can pierce like weapons. Reckless speech can wound deeply, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
  • Cross references: Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 18:21, Psalm 64:3-4
• The wicked aim bitter words like arrows. Secret accusations, slander, and sudden verbal attacks are described as arrows shot from hidden places.
  • Cross references: Psalm 64:2-8, Psalm 11:2, Psalm 57:4, Psalm 140:3
• A false witness is like a weapon. Lies can become arrows that damage reputations, relationships, and justice.
  • Cross references: Proverbs 25:18, Exodus 20:16, Deuteronomy 19:16-21, Proverbs 6:16-19

Arrows as spiritual warfare and enemy attack

• The enemy sends fiery darts. Paul describes attacks of the wicked one as fiery darts that must be quenched by the shield of faith.
  • Cross references: Ephesians 6:16, 1 Peter 5:8-9, James 4:7, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
• Arrows can come by fear, accusation, temptation, lies, and intimidation. These attacks must be answered with faith, truth, righteousness, and the Word of YAHUAH.
  • Cross references: Genesis 3:1-5, Matthew 4:1-11, Revelation 12:10-11, John 8:44, Psalm 91:5
• The terror by night and arrow by day are not to be feared by those dwelling in YAHUAH’s shelter. Psalm 91 gives language of protection from seen and unseen attacks.
  • Cross references: Psalm 91:1-6, Psalm 27:1-3, Psalm 121:5-8, Isaiah 54:17

YAHUAH’s arrows: judgment, conviction, and warfare

• YAHUAH also has arrows. His arrows are connected with judgment against wickedness, conviction, and His warfare against enemies.
  • Cross references: Deuteronomy 32:23, Deuteronomy 32:42, Psalm 7:11-13, Habakkuk 3:11-13
• YAHUAH’s arrows can pierce the heart and bring conviction. David described YAHUAH’s arrows as going deep when he was under correction.
  • Cross references: Psalm 38:1-4, Psalm 32:3-5, Hebrews 12:5-11, Revelation 3:19
• YAHUAH fights for His people. His arrows and lightning are pictures of divine intervention, deliverance, and victory.
  • Cross references: Psalm 18:13-14, Psalm 144:5-6, Zechariah 9:14-16, 2 Samuel 22:14-15

Righteous arrows: children, purpose, and sending

• Children are compared to arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior. This shows training, direction, protection, inheritance, and purpose.
  • Cross references: Psalm 127:3-5, Deuteronomy 6:5-9, Proverbs 22:6, Isaiah 54:13
• YAHUAH can make His servant like a polished arrow. A polished arrow is prepared, hidden, sharpened, and released at the appointed time.
  • Cross references: Isaiah 49:1-3, Isaiah 51:16, Jeremiah 1:5-10, Galatians 1:15-16

Guarding against arrows

• Guard the mouth so you do not release destructive arrows. Before speaking, weigh whether the words are truthful, necessary, righteous, and life-giving.
  • Cross references: Psalm 141:3, Proverbs 13:3, Proverbs 21:23, Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 4:6