Assyrian Slinger

Illustration of Assyrian Slinger with Stones

The sketch is from a relief depicting an Assyrian slinger, similar to David's sling who fought Goliath. Slingers could hurl their stones like bullets.

The Bible Often Mentions the "Sling"

1 Samuel 17:40 - And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling [was] in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.

1 Samuel 17:50 - So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but [there was] no sword in the hand of David.

Zechariah 9:15 - The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, [and] make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, [and] as the corners of the altar.

Judges 20:16 - Among all this people [there were] seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair [breadth], and not miss.

Jeremiah 10:18 - For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this once, and will distress them, that they may find [it so].

Proverbs 26:8 - As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so [is] he that giveth honour to a fool.

1 Samuel 25:29 - Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, [as out] of the middle of a sling.