Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
A shooter with the bow (1 Chr. 10:3). This art was of high antiquity (Gen. 21:20, 27:3). Saul was wounded by the Philistine archers (1 Sam. 31:3). The phrase "breaking the bow" (Hos. 1:5; Jer. 49:35) is equivalent to taking away one's power, while "strengthening the bow" is a symbol of its increase (Gen. 49:24). The Persian archers were famous among the ancients (Isa. 13:18; Jer. 49:35, 50:9, 14, 29, 42.