David’s sling and stones— Were they toys or serious weapons?

[nebula]

David’s sling and stones— Were they toys or serious weapons?

Archaeologists discover more evidence that confirms the Bible

Many people think of ancient slings as not much more than toys. However, the Bible tells us that a young shepherd named David killed the giant Philistine, Goliath, with a very accurately slung stone (1 Samuel 17:40, 49). The Bible states that the Israelites used slings as weapons of war (2 Kings 3:25).

Archaeologists are finding evidence that confirms these biblical stories. Slingstones were important weapons in an ancient army's arsenal.

At one excavation site in Israel, 10 miles north of Jerusalem, slingstones have been found in almost every area of the dig. Interestingly, the site is located in the territory given to the tribe of Benjamin. This tribe was known for an elite corps of slingers (Judges 20:15-16; 1 Chronicles 12:2), many of whom were left-handed slingers. 700 of them could each "sling a stone at a hair and not miss."

More here

[He giveth more grace]

Swords, Spears, Bows, and Slings, two close combat and two range weapons. The Bible talks about the sound of Archers, arrows cutting throught the air.

[mizzdy]

David would have had to have some kind of weapon against wolves and other animals while sheparding. Slings are not toys period, they can maime and kill as we know from the tale of David and Goliath. Just ask my mom, my dad gave one to my youngest and he proceded to break several windows in the neighborhood before mom destroyed it herself.

[traveller]

Experiments demonstrate that missiles leave a sling in excess of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h).

One Roman writer noted that opponents in leather armor were in far greater danger from sling missiles than arrows. Even if the stone did not penetrate the armor, it was capable of inflicting a fatal internal injury.

WOW!

Great article Neb! Thanks!

[Bold Believer]

Young Palestinians still use slings against Israeli troops today. I doubt they're as good as David though, LOL.

[nebula]

The point, though, was archeological evidence for the slingshots, and even for the account of the Benjaminites.

[~candice~]

That's awesome!

[Fez]

Every verse the sling is mentioned in the ESV...

Jdg_20:16 Among all these were 700 chosen men who were left-handed; every one could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.

1Sa_17:40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine.

1Sa_17:50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David.

1Sa_25:29 If men rise up to pursue you and to seek your life, the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living in the care of the LORD your God. And the lives of your enemies he shall sling out as from the hollow of a sling.

1Ch_12:2 They were bowmen and could shoot arrows and sling stones with either the right or the left hand; they were Benjaminites, Saul's kinsmen.

Job_41:28 The arrow cannot make him flee; for him sling stones are turned to stubble.

Pro_26:8 Like one who binds the stone in the sling is one who gives honor to a fool.

Zec_9:15 The LORD of hosts will protect them, and they shall devour, and tread down the sling stones, and they shall drink and roar as if drunk with wine, and be full like a bowl, drenched like the corners of the altar.

[Openly Curious]

Great scripture Fez

[Openly Curious]

The point, though, was archeological evidence for the slingshots, and even for the account of the Benjaminites.

Great article nebula, I don't see how there could be enough evidence in the archeologists find to be absolutely sure about the existence of the slingshots because of the decay process. However the rounded stones they found tells us alot. If there were stones for slingshots then the slingshots had to exist. Then if the slingshots were found in the archeologists dig they would be so frail because of the decay process it would seem impossible for the slingshots to be preserved. But that is only my thinking on the matter.

If the archeologists really did find slingshots and I have no reason to doubt they could have been found on the land where the tribe of Benjamin once dwelt. I believe this because we have maps available to us that pertain to the locations of the land during biblical times which would include the tribe of Benjamin just my thoughts.