Arrows, Divination By
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Arrows, Divination By in the Bible?
Divination by arrows involved casting marked arrows to ascertain divine will, a practice attested in ancient Near Eastern texts and referenced in biblical narratives such as the decision of the kings of Israel and Judah to attack Ramoth-gilead.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this practice clarifies the historical context of prophetic conflicts in the Old Testament, illustrating how kings sought supernatural guidance through methods distinct from the prophetic word, thereby highlighting the tension between established prophecy and popular divination.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Arrows, Divination By. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Arrows, Divination By in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Arrows, Divination By clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Arrows, Divination By." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/arrows-divination-by/