34. Martial prowess and skill in the use of weapons are gratefully
acknowledged to be the result of divine teaching; no sacrifice is offered at
the shrine of self in praise of natural dexterity, or acquired skillfullness;
but, regarding all warlike prowess as a gift of heavenly favor, thankfulness is
presented to the Giver. The Holy Spirit is the great Drillmaster of heavenly
soldiers. The bow (a bow of brass is probably meant) could scarcely be bent by
the arms alone, the archer had to gain the assistance of his foot; it was,
therefore, a great feat of strength to bend the bow, so far as even to snap it
in halves. This was meant of the enemies’ bow, which he not only snatched from
his grasp, but rendered useless by breaking it in pieces. Jesus not only
destroyed the fiery suggestions of Satan, but he broke his arguments with which
he shot them, by using Holy Scripture against him; by the same means we may win
a like triumph, breaking the bow and cutting the spear in sunder by the sharp
edge of revealed truth. Probably David had by nature a vigorous bodily frame;
but it is even more likely that, like Samson, he was at times clothed with more
than common strength; at any rate, he ascribes the honor of his feats entirely
to his God.
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