Sling
“Sling”
Summary
A simple but effective weapon used by shepherds and soldiers, consisting of two cords attached to a leather pouch for hurling stones.
☩Construction and Use
The sling consisted of a pair of strings or cords of sinew attached to a leather receptacle for the stone. The stone was placed in the leather pouch, the sling swung once or twice around the head, and the stone discharged by releasing one of the strings. Smooth stones were preferred for ammunition, and soldiers either carried them in a bag around the neck or heaped them at their feet during battle. The weapon was favored by shepherds of Syria to protect their flocks, making it naturally familiar to David when he faced Goliath.
☩Military Use
The Benjamites were particularly famous for their skill with the sling, with some able to 'sling stones at a hair and not miss.' Slingers formed part of the regular Israelite army, and slings were useful both in attacking and defending fortified cities. King Uzziah prepared sling stones as part of the military equipment for his army. The violence with which stones were projected supplied vivid imagery for sudden and forcible removal.
Related Verses9 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sling," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Sling," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.George Morrish, "Sling," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).